Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, garlicky, and buttery pasta dish that features tender chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. With the perfect balance of heat from cayenne pepper, a touch of smokiness from paprika, and the brightness of lemon juice, this dish is a sure winner for any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is packed with bold flavors in every bite! The combination of buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, and linguine pasta makes for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

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

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• 1/4 cup butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

directions

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Season and cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and season with paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

4. Combine with pasta: Stir in the lemon juice and cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat in the buttery sauce.

5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet along with the chicken.

• Make it spicy: If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Creamier sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.

• Use different pasta: If you don’t have linguine, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

• Cheese lover’s version: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the pasta before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They’ll add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños to the skillet with the chicken.

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter, but you may want to adjust the salt added to the dish, as salted butter can make it saltier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately in advance and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as pasta doesn’t always freeze well with the buttery sauce. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and combine it with the reheated chicken sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate comfort food, with a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors. The buttery sauce is rich and savory, making the tender chicken and pasta a winning combination. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, easy-to-make meal!

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