Butter Chicken Linguine

This hearty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken with a luxuriously rich butter sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The combination of spices, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine creates a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

I created this recipe when my family was craving something comforting yet special on a rainy Sunday evening. The combination of velvety butter sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken has made this our go-to impressive-but-easy meal whenever we have guests.

Ingredients

• Linguine pasta: Forms the hearty base and its long strands perfectly capture the rich butter sauce
• Chicken breasts: Provide lean protein that absorbs all the wonderful spices
• Butter: Creates the luxurious foundation for the sauce use high quality unsalted for best flavor control
• Garlic: Adds essential aromatic depth fresh cloves make a noticeable difference
• Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something truly indulgent
• Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tangy undertone that balances the richness
• Lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with necessary acidity
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbaceous finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt until it tastes like sea water. This is your one opportunity to season the pasta itself. Cook the linguine until just al dente about 9 minutes or follow package instructions for best results. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce so err on the side of firmness. Before draining remember to reserve some starchy pasta water which acts as a magical ingredient that helps emulsify the sauce.

Season and Sear the Chicken:

Create a flavorful spice blend by combining garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne if you enjoy some heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss the cubed chicken in this mixture ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat your skillet until quite hot before adding oil and butter this creates the perfect environment for developing a golden crust. Arrange chicken in a single layer giving each piece space to properly brown. Cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop color then flip and finish cooking. The chicken should have a beautiful sear while remaining juicy inside.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

The secret to this incredible sauce is using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken capturing all those delicious browned bits. Lower the heat to prevent burning the butter and add it gradually allowing it to melt slowly. Once the butter is just melted add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds being careful not to brown it. Pour in the chicken broth lemon juice and Dijon mustard whisking constantly to create a smooth base. Add the heavy cream in a slow stream while continuing to whisk which prevents any separation. The Parmesan should be added last allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Let the sauce gently simmer until it coats the back of a spoon but never allow it to boil.

Bring It All Together:

Return the chicken to the skillet including any accumulated juices which contain concentrated flavor. Add the cooked linguine directly from its pot or if already drained add it now. Using tongs gently lift and turn the pasta to coat every strand with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. The starch in this water helps create a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Allow everything to simmer together briefly which helps the pasta absorb some sauce and the flavors to meld completely.

Finish and Serve:

Turn off the heat before adding the fresh parsley to preserve its bright color and flavor. Toss everything one final time ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed. Serve immediately in warmed bowls which helps keep the sauce at the perfect consistency. A final crack of black pepper adds a professional touch and subtle heat.

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The crushed red pepper flakes might seem optional but they're my secret weapon in this recipe. They don't make the dish spicy so much as they add a subtle warmth that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce. My husband, who typically avoids anything with "spicy" in the description, actually requests extra red pepper flakes when I make this dish!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the linguine with another pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully with this creamy sauce, you can substitute fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Wider noodles like fettuccine will capture more sauce, while shorter pastas like penne will hold sauce in their ridges and hollows.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning and additional red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also incorporate a dash of hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, then reheat the sauce and chicken gently before combining. Add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating to refresh the sauce.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of flour (to maintain thickness). For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ What sides pair well with cowboy butter chicken linguine?

This rich dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic green beans. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce, while a glass of crisp white wine completes the meal.

→ Why is it called 'cowboy butter'?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter popularized in Southern and Western cooking, featuring bold flavors like garlic, herbs, and spices. The name evokes the hearty, flavorful cooking style associated with ranching culture, where simple ingredients are transformed into dishes with big, satisfying flavors.