![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) For the main event, you need chicken breasts for protein, and linguine pasta as the base. The unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives the dish a wonderful aroma. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring warmth and depth to the flavor. These ingredients work together to create a creamy and spicy delight. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Dairy is key to making this dish creamy. Heavy cream adds a smooth texture, while chicken broth enhances the flavor. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan! It adds a nice salty finish and makes every bite a joy. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh ingredients brighten up the dish. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet touch, while parsley brings color and freshness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors! You can find the full recipe at the end of this section to guide you through all the steps. To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Cook the pasta as the package directs, usually around 8-10 minutes. Check for al dente texture, meaning it should be firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water; you'll need it later! Now, let’s cook the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into cubes. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, slowly whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer gently again. This is where the magic happens! Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to mix everything. Add in the cooked linguine, tossing it all together. If the dish seems a bit dry, use that reserved pasta water to make it creamier. To finish, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let everything cook for another minute to heat through. Your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine is almost ready! To get that right creaminess in your sauce, start with the right cream. Heavy cream is key. It adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. When you add the cream, do it slowly. This helps mix it well with the broth. Watch the heat; keep it low. You want a gentle simmer, not a boil. If the sauce feels thick, add a bit of the pasta water. This helps it become silky smooth. For tender and flavorful chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into cubes for even cooking. Season them well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. This adds great flavor. Sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it is cooked through but not dry. It should be juicy and full of taste. If you have leftovers, they can be used in salads or sandwiches. To avoid overcooked linguine, start with boiling water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Cook it until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remember to save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps with the sauce's texture. Drain the pasta well but don’t rinse it. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. Check out the [Full Recipe] for a complete guide! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine by adding different spices or herbs. For a smoky taste, try adding chipotle powder. If you like fresh, bright flavors, toss in some basil or thyme. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Experimenting with spices can make this dish your own. While linguine is a great choice, you can use other types of pasta too. Spaghetti or fettuccine work well. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat or zucchini noodles. Each type of pasta brings a new texture to the dish. You may find a new favorite! If you want to switch up the protein, shrimp or turkey can be great options. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Turkey is lean and will still be filling. Both can replace chicken in this recipe without losing any deliciousness. You can make this dish fit your taste and diet! To keep your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals later. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Use the microwave for a quick option. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. You can also reheat it on the stove. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to two months. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine knowing you can savor it later! Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. For the cream, use coconut cream or almond milk. These options will keep the dish rich and creamy. Instead of unsalted butter, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This will help you maintain the flavor without using dairy. Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Each one complements the creamy dish nicely. To adjust spiciness, start with less cayenne pepper. You can always add more later. If you find it too spicy, try adding more cream or butter. This will help balance the heat. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the spice. This blog post covered how to cook Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and useful tips. I shared variations for different tastes and how to store leftovers properly. You can enjoy this dish in many ways, making it perfect for dinner any night. Remember, cooking is fun and you can make it your own. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the process!](https://tossedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/369cbce7-d397-4cb3-9fc5-dc3e0d15d4aa-300x300.webp)
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that will take your taste buds on a delightful ride! This simple recipe features tender chicken, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with linguine and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a creamy masterpiece tonight!