Welcome to Dinner Time: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Hey there, friend! If you’re anything like me, you might feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning a weeknight dinner. That’s why I’m super excited to share my Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe with you! It’s a deliciously creamy, flavor-packed dish that will impress your taste buds and make you feel like a culinary rockstar—all in just about 30 minutes!
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
Let’s talk turkey—or should I say chicken? Using chicken breast in this recipe makes it a protein-rich meal that’s great for keeping you filled up and energized. Plus, the heavy cream and butter provide a rich, comforting base that feels indulgent without going overboard. If you’re looking to sneak in extra nutrients, consider tossing in some spinach or cherry tomatoes right before serving—those bright colors not only make for a beautiful dish but also pack extra vitamins!
Adapting for Everyone’s Taste
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta, and you can still enjoy this creamy goodness without the gluten.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a creamy yet dairy-free meal.
- Add Some Vegetables: Not a huge chicken fan? Substitute with shrimp or mix in your favorite sautéed veggies for a delightful twist!
Super Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta
- Chicken breast, diced
- Butter (don’t forget the love!)
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once that’s done, drain it and set it aside—be sure to save about 1 cup of that flavorful pasta water!
- Cook the Chicken: Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add your diced chicken breast into the skillet, seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside—feels good to get that colorful chicken cooked up!
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter, and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute—trust me, your kitchen is going to smell magical at this point! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. The anticipation builds!
- Add Cheese: This is where the fun really starts! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and transforms the sauce into a creamy delight. If you find the sauce a bit too thick, just add some reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything until well coated in that lovely creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if you like it spicy!
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, remove everything from the heat and sprinkle in some dried parsley for that extra flavor kick. Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top—smiles will definitely follow!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Storing leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently over low heat to get that creamy texture back!
- If you’re pressed for time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut.
- Always taste your sauce and pasta water during cooking—this way, you can adjust the flavor to your liking throughout the process!
Equipment Needed
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A colander to drain the pasta
- A large skillet for making the sauce and cooking the chicken
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A measuring cup for liquids and pasta
- A cutting board and knife for dicing the chicken and mincing the garlic
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other pasta shapes? Definitely! While linguine works beautifully, any pasta shape you have on hand will do just fine.
- How spicy is this dish? It’s more flavorful than spicy! But you can always adjust the paprika to your preference for a kick.
- Can I prepare this in advance? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep elements like the chicken and sauce ahead of time, just combine everything before eating!
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk will work, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Is this dish kid-friendly? Absolutely! Its creamy nature and mild flavors usually make it a hit with kids—just watch out for any picky eaters!
Join the Culinary Adventure!
And there you have it, folks—your go-to weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! I’d love to hear how your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine turns out, or if you put your spin on it! Come share your creations with me on Pinterest. Let’s make cooking fun and delicious together!
