Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to for quick family dinners: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the hassle. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy pasta recipe that’s anything but ordinary!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A 30-minute meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
- A creamy garlic pasta sauce that’s rich and flavorful
- An easy pasta recipe with simple ingredients
- A quick family dinner that’s both healthy and indulgent
- Customizable heat level for those who like a little spice
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz linguine
- Salted water, for boiling
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down into simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water will help create that luscious, creamy sauce later!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the softened butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and melted. If it’s too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water. Then, add the seared chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy garlic sauce. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the ooohs and aahhs from your family!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Reserve that pasta water! It’s liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and tender, not dry.
- Customize the heat. If you’re serving this to kids, you might want to skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Add some color. Throw in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes at the end for extra nutrients and flavor.
How to Serve
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some ideas:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for sopping up that delicious sauce
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re meal prepping, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore the sauce.
And there you have it, folks! A quick family dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful. If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes or weeknight dinner ideas, be sure to check out these other favorites:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
- Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share those delicious creations with your loved ones!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil and butter until golden brown, set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same pan, add softened butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Bring It All Together: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency, then stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Finish and Serve: Combine the seared chicken with the pasta and sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.