This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that brings together tasty chicken, buttery goodness, and a hint of spice. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
The best part? You can whip it up in no time! Just cook the chicken, mix in the sauce, and toss everything with linguine. I often find myself going for seconds—it’s just that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine: The recipe calls for linguine, which pairs well with the sauce. However, you can swap it for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here, but you could also use thighs for a juicier option. For a quicker meal, rotisserie chicken can be used instead, just skip the cooking step.
Spices: Smoked paprika is key for that signature cowboy flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can work instead. Adjust to your taste!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute. Just keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich.
Cheddar Cheese: While optional, it adds a nice creaminess. You can replace it with Parmesan or omit it altogether for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without a Heavy Texture?
To create a silky, creamy sauce without it feeling too heavy, focus on your cooking time and temperature. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat for cooking the garlic and sautéing the chicken to develop flavor.
- When you add the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. This helps to keep the cream from curdling.
- Allow the sauce to thicken naturally by cooking it for a few minutes, stirring regularly to keep it smooth.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or a bit of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Following these tips will help ensure your sauce is perfectly creamy and delicious! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, followed by around 15 minutes for the sauce and combining everything. And just like that, a delicious dinner is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. While it’s melting, season your chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. This step will build great flavor for your sauce!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those are full of flavor! Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes so it can thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using cheddar cheese, add it now! Stir it in until it’s melted and smooth. This will add a great creamy texture to your sauce.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give it a nice toss in the sauce to coat it evenly. Then, add the cooked linguine to the skillet and mix it all together until everything is well combined and coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is mixed well, it’s time to serve! Garnish your dish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. Enjoy your creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat linguine or gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a cashew-based cream!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy some heat, add more chili powder or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
