This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fun twist on your usual pasta! It features tender chicken, creamy butter sauce, and loads of flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Honestly, this dish makes weeknight cooking feel fancy without all the fuss. It’s quick to whip up, and you’ll be slurping those noodles happily in no time. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken also fits well. Alternatively, you can use shrimp or tofu for a meat-free option!
Pasta: Linguine gives a lovely texture, but you can swap it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. It’s all about what you have on hand!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the sauce rich, you can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind it might change the richness a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack brings great flavor, but feel free to use gouda, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese if you need it vegan!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken right is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the pieces for better flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor. Allow it to brown for 6-8 minutes on medium-high heat.
Following these steps will give you tender, juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with the rich butter sauce!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time combined. You’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Begin by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Aim for it to be al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sear the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Build the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using your spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits on the bottom. This adds great flavor! After that, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Hold on for just 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the shredded cheese. Stir it into the sauce until it’s melted and creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it with the sauce to ensure it’s all well combined.
6. Mix with Pasta:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with that delicious buttery, creamy sauce. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cowboy butter chicken linguine hot and garnish with fresh parsley. If desired, add sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Bon Appétit! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While linguine is a great choice, you can easily substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just be mindful that this may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Of course! Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding in the broth and cream for a delightful twist.
