Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings a comforting and bold twist to traditional pasta dishes. The combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors makes every bite exciting. The chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned, while the linguine soaks up the rich, buttery sauce, making it irresistible. Plus, the ease of preparing this dish will have you whipping it up on busy weeknights or for a weekend dinner with friends. The tangy freshness from the parsley and lemon juice perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, stirring until well combined.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked linguine pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for a bit of added flavor and color. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicier: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a more intense heat.
• Substitute Chicken: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even steak for a different protein option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free linguine to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just cook according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this recipe without cayenne pepper?

Absolutely! The cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can easily skip it or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder dish.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the sauce in step 5 to warm it through.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the sauce fresh for this recipe, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before tossing with the pasta and chicken.

5. Can I use a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter, almond or coconut cream, and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

6. How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a lighter version of the cream. You can also use less butter and chicken broth in place of some of the cream.

7. Can I use a different type of mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard as alternatives, though the flavor may vary slightly.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a full meal.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

While the dish can technically be frozen, the creamy sauce may change in texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, store the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce.

10. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be spicy, especially if you use cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by reducing or omitting the spicy ingredients.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors for a perfect balance. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you enjoy a little heat or prefer a milder version, this dish can be tailored to your taste. It’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

Print