This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fun and tasty dish! It combines tender chicken with vibrant veggies and a creamy, buttery sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
You know it’s good when the whole house smells amazing while it cooks. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley on top—makes it look fancy without the fuss! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: This recipe uses linguine, which has a lovely flat shape that holds the sauce well. If you’re out of linguine, any long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti will do. Just be mindful of cooking times!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but you can substitute thighs for a juicier option. If you need a quick meal, rotisserie chicken works great too; just shred it and toss it in the sauce at the end.
Spices: The smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is a good swap. You can also add a pinch of cayenne if you like heat, or leave out the chili powder for a milder taste.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce creaminess, but if you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream works well. You could also use Greek yogurt at the end for a tangy flavor but add it off the heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly involves a few simple steps. Start with seasoned, bite-sized pieces to get even cooking. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Heat your skillet until hot before adding oil. This helps sear the chicken, locking in the juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. If the pieces are too close, they’ll steam instead of brown.
- Check for golden brown color; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure they’re fully cooked by cutting one to check for no pink inside.
Following these tips will give you tender chicken pieces that elevate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
For The Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes of cooking. So, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give the chicken great flavor as it cooks.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. You’ll add it back later.
4. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once it melts, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it softens, which will take about 3 minutes.
5. Add More Veggies:
Next, add the minced garlic and thinly sliced red bell peppers to the skillet. Allow them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
6. Stir in Tomatoes:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, letting them soften a bit.
7. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently stirring everything together. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, so it thickens slightly.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to make sure the chicken is nicely coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Toss with Linguine:
Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. The pasta will soak up all those delicious flavors!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
FAQ About Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works great, you can substitute it with any long pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer. Just be aware of the cooking times as different pastas may take longer or shorter to cook.
What If I Don’t Have Some of the Spices?
No problem! If you’re missing smoked paprika or chili powder, you can use regular paprika for a milder flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices you enjoy, like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for some heat!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut cream. You can also use less butter or opt for cooking spray when sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
