This delectable Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that brings together the comforting warmth of southern flavors with a twist that makes your taste buds dance. Picture this: creamy butter sauce glistening on tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, filling your kitchen with an aroma so inviting it could make even a grumpy cat smile.
I remember the first time I whipped up this dish for my family. The moment I served it, their eyes widened in disbelief as they eagerly dove into their plates! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a cozy gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only quick to prepare but bursting with flavor
- The creamy sauce elevates simple ingredients into something spectacular
- You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate
- Plus, it looks gorgeous on any dinner table with its rich colors and textures!
I once served this dish to friends who were convinced they’d never enjoy a “butter chicken” entrée again after trying some mediocre takeout. Their delighted faces told me all I needed to know!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how many hungry folks are around.
- Linguine Pasta: Choose fresh or dried linguine; both work well and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Use quality butter for richer flavor; it’s called “cowboy butter” for a reason!
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; nothing beats freshly minced garlic for aroma and taste.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously smooth; don’t skimp on it!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a layer of savory goodness that ties everything together.
- Spices (Paprika & Black Pepper): Spice levels can be adjusted according to your team’s preferences.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings color and freshness—don’t forget it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt before cooking linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Sauté Garlic: Remove chicken from skillet and add remaining butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—be careful not to burn it.
Create the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer while scraping any browned bits from the skillet.
Combine Everything: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss everything together until evenly coated in that luscious sauce.
Final Touches: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with paprika and black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot!
Enjoying Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine means savoring each bite as if you’re sitting by a campfire under starry skies—the rich flavors make every forkful an adventure!
You Must Know
- This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a delightful meal
- The aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen, setting the perfect dinner ambiance
- Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight while impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the buttery sauce for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor
- Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente is key
- For extra zest, add lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish
Cooking this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine always brings back memories of dinner parties where friends couldn’t get enough of this creamy delight!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat linguine instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat linguine adds fiber without sacrificing taste.
What can I substitute for butter?
For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter in this recipe.
How spicy is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
It’s mildly spicy but can be adjusted by adding more chili flakes or peppers if desired.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken and linguine in a rich butter sauce that brings southern charm to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Spices: paprika and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted; season with paprika and black pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg