Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 8 oz linguine pasta; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Published: April 2, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights
The creamy sauce delivers a delightful flavor explosion that everyone will love
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
Versatile enough to adapt with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it and even asked for seconds—and thirds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Pasta: Use linguine for that perfect texture; it holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Butter: Go for unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an irresistible aroma and flavor; skip the powdered stuff if you can.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is crucial for achieving that creamy goodness that makes each bite heavenly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan elevates the dish with its nutty flavor; trust me, it’s worth it!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness to balance out the richness of the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop garlic finely and dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This prep will save you time later.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic when chicken is nearly done. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—to avoid burning those precious cloves.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine with chicken. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened—this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked linguine into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Stir gently until pasta is evenly coated—this is where magic happens!

Serve immediately garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an aromatic finish. Enjoy every mouthful of this creamy delight!

This Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is sure to become a staple in your household as it combines comfort food with ease. Not only does it please palates everywhere, but it also brings loved ones together around the table for good times!

You Must Know

Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in no time
The buttery sauce has a delightful kick, making it irresistible for any pasta lover
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until it’s golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the cowboy butter sauce for maximum flavor and efficiency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to personalize your dish with fresh flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use fresh herbs when possible; they enhance flavors significantly
Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for perfect texture
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce

Cooking this dish reminds me of a dinner party where I wowed my friends with my “chef skills.” They still think I’m fancy, but really, it’s just this easy recipe that saves me every time!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

You can use shrimp or even tofu for a delightful vegetarian option that works beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Can I make cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days before using.

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📖 Recipe Card