This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is such a comforting dish! It’s rich and creamy, with tender chicken and flavorful seasonings all tangled up with perfectly cooked linguine.
Every bite feels like a warm hug! I love how easy it is to whip up a delicious meal that feels fancy—but really, it’s just pasta and butter magic. What’s not to love? 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine pasta: This pasta works perfectly for this recipe, but if you’re out, spaghetti or fettuccine can also do the trick. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivity.
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean texture. Feel free to swap in chicken thighs for more flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal!
Cajun seasoning: This blend adds a nice kick. If you don’t have it, making your own with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne works well. Just adjust the heat to your liking!
Cowboy butter: This is a fun twist! You can substitute it with regular butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that it will be less rich. Coconut cream can work for dairy-free needs too.
How Do You Make Sure The Sauce Is Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a creamy sauce is gradual heating and stirring. Here are some tips:
- After you add the chicken broth and cream, keep the heat on medium. Too high can cause the cream to separate.
- Stir consistently while the cheese melts. This ensures it’s fully incorporated into the sauce.
Remember, patience is key! If your sauce looks a bit thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up without losing flavor.
Happy cooking! Enjoy your rich and creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter (a compound butter made with garlic, herbs, and spices)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish:
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and hearty meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and season them with the Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated for that kick of flavor.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, melt the cowboy butter. Add in the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them together until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent, which should take around 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine Cream and Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together until well mixed. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer to help it thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts down and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Bring Back the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it in with the creamy sauce to coat it well.
8. Toss in the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together until every strand of pasta is well coated with that delicious sauce.
9. Season to Taste:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
This dish is perfectly creamy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works great, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend with equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne, and some salt and pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne to your preferred spice level!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a non-dairy cheese or simply omit the cheese. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
