Name: Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz linguine pasta (cooked al dente); Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

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Craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, savory, and just a bit spicy? Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate Creamy Spicy Pasta, combining tender chicken, al dente linguine, and a rich cowboy butter sauce with a kick of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with bold flavors. With a silky, cheesy sauce and customizable spice, Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

I absolutely love this Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine because it’s a comforting Creamy Spicy Pasta that balances rich, buttery flavors with a touch of spice. The homemade cowboy butter sauce, infused with garlic and smoked paprika, coats the chicken and pasta perfectly, while Parmesan adds a cheesy depth. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings, and I can tweak the heat to suit my taste. This dish is a go-to when I want a flavorful, satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Here’s what you’ll need for Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (serves 4):

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz linguine pasta, cooked al dente
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Ingredient Tips

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy prep; thighs work for richer flavor.
Linguine: Cook al dente to hold up in the sauce; rinse briefly to prevent sticking.
Heavy Cream: Swap with half-and-half for a lighter option, though less creamy.
Parmesan: Freshly grated for best flavor; pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust or omit for milder taste.

Directions for Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Let’s make this irresistible Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, I melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
I add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp onion powder.
I cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
I remove the chicken and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, I add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

I pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
I reduce the heat to low, then stir in ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
I let the sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and smooth.

Combine and Serve

I return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
I add 8 oz cooked linguine and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the cowboy butter sauce.
I garnish the Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 30g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber

Variations

Try these twists on Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-packed Creamy Spicy Pasta.
Extra Heat: Add ½ tsp chili flakes for a spicier Creamy Spicy Pasta.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
Creamier Sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Blueberry French Toast Casserole for a brunch-dinner combo.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Creamy Spicy Pasta meal.
Offer at a dinner party with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Storage

I store leftover Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it on the stove over medium heat for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. I avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. I garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to refresh the flavor.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a large bowl or on plates with a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant look.
Garnish: Add extra Parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavor boost.
Pairing: Enjoy with chilled white wine, iced tea, or lemon water to complement Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Temperature: Serve hot for the best creamy texture.
Portion Size: About 1 cup per person for a satisfying serving.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

How can I make the cowboy butter more flavorful?
I suggest adding extra garlic, a bit of fresh lemon zest, or even a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the butter for more depth.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking, as it will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and retains its flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, since this recipe calls for linguine, which is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes would complement the flavors nicely and make the dish more hearty.

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Conclusion

Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an irresistible dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy-to-make weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, and I’m sure it’ll become one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, comforting, and flavorful. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a family, this recipe always hits the spot!