Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

The aroma of sizzling garlic and tender chicken wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked linguine in a luscious butter sauce that dances on your taste buds, making every bite an adventure worth savoring. That’s exactly what you get with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—a dish that’s not just food but a heartfelt invitation to gather around the table and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave you daydreaming long after the last noodle has disappeared from your plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends, this dish brings comfort and joy, reminding us all why we love good food.

I served this dish at my last family gathering, and the way everyone devoured it was priceless—they even fought over the leftovers!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they cook quickly and remain juicy.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose plump cloves for max flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in cooking.
• Linguine Pasta: I prefer linguine for its ability to hold onto sauces without drowning them.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness better.
• Cream: Use heavy cream for a rich and luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a depth of flavor that pre-grated simply cannot match.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce; it adds color and nutrition.
• Spices (Paprika & Pepper): These bring warmth and subtle smokiness; don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients together on your counter. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely to release maximum flavor.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken pieces and season with paprika and pepper until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic & Spinach: Toss in minced garlic once the chicken is cooked through; sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute. Then add fresh spinach until wilted—a delightful green contrast!

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream gradually while stirring gently. Add remaining butter and let everything simmer together until thickened slightly—about 3-5 minutes.

Toss it All Together!: Combine drained linguine into the skillet while adding Parmesan cheese; stir well until every strand is coated in this dreamy sauce. If it’s too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Enjoy this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with friends or family—it’s bound to become a new favorite at your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in butter until golden brown, then cook linguine in the same pot for maximum flavor. While that’s happening, whip up the cowboy butter sauce to bring everything together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap linguine for any pasta you have on hand, or toss in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Spice it up with extra garlic or chili flakes if you like a kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Cooking this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine reminds me of impromptu dinner parties where my friends rave about my culinary skills, despite my occasional kitchen mishaps.

FAQ

What can I substitute for linguine in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

You can use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta as alternatives.

How can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the butter sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything and store separately until ready to combine and serve.

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant garlic, and rich butter sauce—a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• paprika and pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep the chicken by chopping it into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
2. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving a bit of pasta water before draining.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chicken seasoned with paprika and pepper until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Add minced garlic and spinach; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute) and spinach wilts.
5. Gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring; add remaining butter. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
6. Toss cooked linguine with the sauce and Parmesan cheese, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 120mg