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A plate of creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine garnished with fresh herbs, served steaming hot on a rustic wooden table.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Quick & Delicious Dinner for Busy Weeknights

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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. This easy-to-make pasta dish combines bold spices and creamy goodness for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy families and home cooks craving comfort food with a kick.

  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and add butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
  4. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately for optimal flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicier version.
  • You can substitute half-and-half or low-fat cream for a healthier option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 610 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg