Catch the scent of garlic sizzling in butter, while the tender chicken dances in a spicy cowboy-themed sauce. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will make your taste buds do the two-step! Picture this dish on a cozy family night or a wild western-themed get-together—it’s like a party on your plate.
You know it’s going to be good when the aroma wafts through your kitchen and into the living room, luring everyone out of their slumber like some sort of culinary siren song. I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were so impressed they almost rode off into the sunset with their plates!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This simple cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe combines bold flavors with effortless preparation.
- The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with al dente linguine.
- It’s visually stunning and ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to personal preferences!
There was that one time I served it at a potluck, and let’s just say my friends “cowboyed up” for seconds—and thirds! It’s always nice to see clean plates and happy faces.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do nicely; adjust based on how hungry your cowpokes are.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves; they give the best flavor and aroma that can wake up even the sleepiest cowboy.
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Heavy Cream: For that rich, velvety texture that makes every bite feel indulgent—no skimping here!
- Linguine Pasta: Al dente is the way to go; it holds onto that creamy sauce like it was born to do so.
- Spices (Paprika & Cayenne): These bring the heat! Adjust according to your spice tolerance—cowboys can handle a lot!
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh kick; plus, it makes your plate look fancy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces while daydreaming about cowboys under starry skies.
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water; add linguine and cook until al dente. Stir occasionally until it’s perfectly tender but still has a bit of bite.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown while filling your kitchen with fragrant goodness.
Add Garlic & Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant—this is where things start getting exciting!
Stir in Cream: Pour in heavy cream once your chicken is cooked through. Stir gently until combined—watch as this transforms into pure magic!
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add cooked linguine directly into the skillet with that dreamy sauce. Toss everything together until pasta is well coated. If needed, add splashes of pasta water for extra creaminess.
Garnish & Serve: Finish with chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving hot. Sit back as everyone dives in—just make sure you save some for yourself!
With these steps under your belt, you’ll whip up this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine like a pro—and who knows? You might just start craving this dish every week!
You Must Know
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines creamy butter sauce with succulent chicken, creating a comfort dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
- The aroma of garlic and herbs wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the linguine while preparing the buttery sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time, maximizing flavor and minimizing chaos in the kitchen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out linguine for your favorite pasta or add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Experimenting with different herbs can elevate the flavor profile and make this dish your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on low heat to prevent overcooking the chicken and drying out the pasta.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your chicken rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy.
- Use good quality butter for a richer flavor.
- If you want more kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of the time I made it for my friend’s birthday—everyone couldn’t stop asking for seconds! Their smiles said it all as they gobbled it up.
FAQ
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
It’s a creamy pasta dish featuring chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu can work wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I make it spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to enhance the heat!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in cream: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for another 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked linguine to the skillet; toss to coat with sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water for extra creaminess.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: You can substitute linguine with your favorite pasta shape or add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition. For extra heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
