Name: Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz linguine pasta, cooked al dente; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, savory dish with a delightful spicy kick. It’s the kind of meal that combines rich flavors with a touch of heat, all wrapped in a silky, cheesy sauce. The addition of homemade cowboy butter enhances the overall flavor profile, making this pasta dish a truly satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of comfort food with a bit of spice. The homemade cowboy butter makes the sauce rich and flavorful, while the combination of chicken, linguine, and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering dish. The best part? It’s so easy to make! From start to finish, you can have this flavorful meal on the table in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, I can adjust the spice level to my liking, ensuring it’s just the right amount of heat for me.

Ingredients

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

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz linguine pasta, cooked al dente

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and onion powder. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as mild or spicy as you like. For a milder version, you can omit it or use just a pinch.

Creamy Sauce: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the mix.

Noodles: While I use linguine, you can easily swap it out for fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.

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FAQs

How can I make the cowboy butter more flavorful?

I suggest adding extra garlic, a bit of fresh lemon zest, or even a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the butter for more depth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking, as it will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and retains its flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, since this recipe calls for linguine, which is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes would complement the flavors nicely and make the dish more hearty.

Conclusion

Cowboy butter chicken linguine is an irresistible dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy-to-make weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, and I’m sure it’ll become one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, comforting, and flavorful. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a family, this recipe always hits the spot!

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