Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy Garlic Butter Dinner Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy Garlic Butter Dinner Recipe
When you need a comforting meal that comes together in minutes, this cowboy butter chicken linguine delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cowboy butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan weeknight dinner recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and oregano.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency. Toss everything together until well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Expert Tips
For the best results, use high-quality butter and fresh garlic. The cowboy butter sauce gets its signature flavor from the combination of spices – don’t skip the smoked paprika! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. This recipe also works beautifully with different pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. For a complete meal, pair this quick comfort food dinner with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different protein? Yes, this recipe works well with shrimp or beef strips. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is cowboy butter sauce? The spiciness can be customized. Start with less cayenne and add more to taste.
Can I make this dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What makes it “cowboy” butter? The combination of smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs gives it a bold, southwestern-inspired flavor profile similar to other bold-flavored pasta dishes.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy Garlic Butter Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and oregano.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
