Name: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz linguine pasta; 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels a bit special.

A white plate with a thin brown rim holds a serving of pasta with creamy sauce. The dish has three layers: the bottom layer is long, yellow noodles spread evenly; the middle layer has pieces of cooked chicken with light brown grill marks scattered across; the top layer is a creamy white sauce mixed with small green herb pieces, giving a fresh look. The pasta looks glossy and rich, and a few green herb sprigs are placed on top as garnish. In the background, there is a small bowl filled with grated cheese on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is partially visible, holding a fork near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz linguine pasta

4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
6 tbsp unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic to prepare your ingredients.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 3: In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Lower the heat and add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is combined and creamy.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then toss in the cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the red pepper flakes.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a serving of creamy pasta with three visible layers: the bottom layer is golden spaghetti noodles, the middle layer has pieces of light brown grilled chicken mixed in, and the top layer is sprinkled with small green herb leaves and small bits of red tomato. The pasta has a rich, smooth texture with some shine from the sauce. In the background, there is a small bowl of grated cheese and some green herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for fresh garlic if I don’t have any?

You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh garlic will provide the best flavor and aroma.