Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
If you love bold flavors wrapped in creamy textures, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky-spiced chicken strips perfectly seared and tossed with linguine soaked in a luscious, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and just the right amount of heat. This dish is an absolute flavor bomb that brings comfort and a dash of excitement to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, creating a wonderful balance of creamy richness, smoky warmth, and a hint of spice. These staples come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is accessible.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to soak up that creamy cowboy butter sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings that smooth, rich base that makes the sauce irresistibly silky.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Infuses a subtle tang that brightens up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Just a splash of acidity to balance the creamy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick; increase if you like more heat.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Essential for that deep, smoky cowboy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herbs that lend earthy complexity.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips: Tender and perfect for quick searing and coating.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The basics that enhance all the other flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Provides the luscious creaminess that makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and a nutty finish that ties the sauce together.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of color and mild flavor to brighten the plate.
How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. It’s important to not overcook here because you want your pasta with a little bit of bite to perfectly complement the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and be sure to save a half cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s an unsung hero in loosening up the sauce later for optimal coating.
Step 2: Prepare and cook the chicken
Season your chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for that signature cowboy flavor hit. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through—about five to six minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside so we can build the sauce in the same skillet.
Step 3: Make the cowboy butter sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this moment really bumps up the aroma. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add cream and cheese
Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep the mixture moving until the sauce is silky and just begins to thicken, which usually takes another 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to getting that creamy texture that defines the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to coat in the luscious sauce. Now it’s time to add the linguine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. Toss everything together until each strand of linguine is beautifully coated and warmed through.
How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This simple touch adds a fresh, green pop of color and a subtle herbaceous contrast to the richness of the sauce. You could even grate a bit more Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a classic Caesar salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of garlic bread is also a fantastic choice for soaking up every last bit of that cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic presentation, serve your Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of brightness. Another fun idea is to add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach right into the sauce for both color and added texture before tossing with the pasta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep all the flavors fresh and the chicken tender.
Freezing
This dish is not ideal for freezing since the creamy sauce may separate or become grainy when thawed, so it’s better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a little splash of chicken broth or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid drying out the pasta or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, fettuccine or spaghetti are excellent substitutes and will hold the sauce just as well.
How spicy is the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking—add more flakes for a spicier dish or omit them entirely if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap butter for dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream and Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers complement the flavors nicely and add extra nutrition and color.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without a long wait.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and impressing friends around the dinner table. Its rich, smoky, and creamy charm will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe in hand. Trust me, this will become one of your go-to favorites in no time!
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring tender, spiced chicken strips tossed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors for a satisfying dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked linguine and a splash of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch if desired, and serve the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the sauce for additional flavor and texture.
- Swap linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
