Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion!

Imagine a lush, creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, with the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s exactly what Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers. It’s quick to prepare, and the best part? You’ll only need one pan! So, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further.

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s why you need to add this one to your culinary repertoire:

Easy Cleanup: Who needs to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans? Not you, my friend.
Family-Friendly: Picky eaters? No problem! Creamy chicken and pasta are practically universal crowd-pleasers.
Affordable: It won’t break the bank, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. Win-win!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
8 oz linguine pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Let’s make your kitchen smell amazing! Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Heat half of the butter in a skillet, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, toss in the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference!
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. Mix in the pasta and sliced chicken. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through. Add red pepper flakes for a kick if desired.
Serve and Garnish: Dish out the linguine, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and a bit more parsley for that pop of color.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Overview)

Making this dish is as easy as pie (or should we say pasta?). Here’s a chill breakdown:

Start with perfectly seasoned chicken, sear until golden, and set aside.
Boil your linguine to al dente perfection.
Whip up that buttery sauce with garlic for a flavor punch.
Mix it all together and let the magic happen!

Pro Tip: Seriously, take your time to toast the garlic. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This linguine isn’t just a feast for the belly; it’s a feast for the eyes, too! Drizzle with extra Parmesan, and serve alongside a fresh green salad for crunch. 🍽️ Imagine a plate of golden chicken and creamy sauce nestled among lush green leaves. It’s like a party on your plate!

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want a freezer meal, it can last up to 3 months. For reheating, simply warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep everything smooth and creamy.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Timing is everything: Start cooking the chicken while the water for pasta boils. You’ll save time!
Ingredient swap: Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in for added color and nutrition.
Texture tip: Want a creamier sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream right at the end.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Switch it up! Make it vegan by using chickpeas instead of chicken, swap the butter for coconut oil, and use vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just ensure it’s thawed completely before cooking for even results.
How can I make this dish spicy? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce for some serious heat.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just store each component separately and combine before serving for the freshest taste.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!