Description
Looking for a bold and creamy dinner idea that’s ready in under 40 minutes? This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate weeknight winner. Featuring tender chicken seared in a rich cowboy butter sauce and tossed with silky linguine, this dish blends garlic, paprika, chili flakes, and herbs with heavy cream for a comforting, flavor-packed experience. Perfect for anyone craving easy dinner inspiration, comforting food ideas, or a new favorite easy recipe, this one’s a keeper. Ideal for cozy nights, casual dinners, or a satisfying indulgence when you want restaurant-worthy results with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
0.5 lemon, juiced
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
8 oz linguine
Salt for boiling water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
3. Sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Squeeze in lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits. Stir to coat chicken in the butter and spices.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to thin the sauce.
7. Add cooked linguine and toss well until evenly coated. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—it’s the foundation of cowboy butter sauce.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference without losing the cowboy kick.
Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a smooth, melt-in sauce with better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 135
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken linguine, cowboy butter recipe, easy dinner idea