Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Isabella

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This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that combines juicy chicken with garlic and a rich butter sauce. Packed with flavorful spices, it makes for the perfect comfort meal, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with the smokiness of paprika and the warmth of cayenne pepper (which you can adjust for heat). The chicken is tender and juicy, while the linguine pasta soaks up the savory butter sauce beautifully. It’s quick to make, and the result is a satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese at the end adds a creamy, cheesy finish that ties everything together.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz linguine pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.

Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the cooked linguine. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream.

Add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different take on the dish.

If you prefer less spice, skip the cayenne pepper or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the components separately in the fridge and then reheat when ready to serve, adding the linguine just before serving.

Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Since this dish contains cream and pasta, it’s not ideal for freezing as the texture may change upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then prepare fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like your pasta with more heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some red pepper flakes to increase the spice level to your liking.

What can I use instead of linguine?

While linguine is my preferred choice for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that I keep coming back to for its satisfying combination of spices, garlic, and rich butter sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any night of the week.

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