Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Get ready to saddle up for the most flavorful pasta dish you’ll make all week! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce with just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect comfort food that comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and sauce has thickened slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente since it will continue to absorb sauce when combined
- Adjust the heat: Start with less cayenne and add more to taste if you prefer milder spice
- Make it ahead: This dish reheats well – store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Customize: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds some heat, but you can reduce or omit it for a milder version. The smoked paprika provides flavor without excessive spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and sauce has thickened slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
