Go Back
Sizzling Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an exciting dish that brings a unique twist to traditional pasta meals. Combining the heartiness of tender chicken with the deep, rich flavors of a creamy butter sauce, this recipe is a feast for the senses. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or aiming to impress guests with your culinary skills, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Its easy preparation and quick cooking time make it suitable for home cooks of all experience levels, allowing anyone to create a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Savor the rich flavors of Sizzling Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a unique pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy butter sauce, and a medley of spices. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a gourmet meal that's easy to prepare and impressively delicious. Enjoy the comforting tastes of the Wild West combined with Italian elegance!

Ingredients
  

12 oz linguine pasta

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice tolerance)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

      Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Once it has melted, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to mix until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

          Add Spinach and Chicken: Incorporate the fresh spinach and the sautéed chicken into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has wilted down.

            Toss with Linguine: Introduce the cooked linguine to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta entirely with the sauce. Finish by adding the lemon zest and juice, ensuring everything is well mixed. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Serve the Sizzling Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and delightful dish!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings