Ingredients for Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein, ensuring tender chicken in every bite. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Linguine pasta: The perfect foundation for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce. Cook al dente for the best texture and bite.
• Unsalted butter, softened: This is the essential base for our “Cowboy Butter” sauce, delivering incredible richness. Use a high-quality brand.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this pasta so satisfying. Do not substitute with lighter creams.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, helping thin the cream while infusing savory flavor. Low-sodium allows for better salt control.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, providing a smooth start. Use extra virgin for quality.
• Garlic cloves, minced: A critical aromatic, infusing the sauce with pungent, savory warmth. Freshly mince for the best flavor.
• Yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory aromatic base, building layers of flavor. Sauté until translucent, not browned.
• Tomato paste: Adds umami depth and subtle sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s richness. Sauté briefly to deepen its flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Delivers a signature smoky warmth, crucial for the “Cowboy Butter” flavor. Don’t confuse it with sweet paprika.
• Red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle, warming kick that balances the richness of the sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Kosher salt, or to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together. Always season throughout cooking.
• Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Adds a pungent, sharp contrast to the creamy sauce. Grind fresh for superior aroma.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings vibrant freshness and aromatic herbaceous notes to the dish. Reserve some for garnish.
• Fresh chives, finely chopped: A delicate, oniony finish, adding a final touch of aromatic freshness. Sprinkle just before serving.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Contributes salty, umami richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully. Use freshly grated for best melt.

How to Make Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine

Prep Ingredients:

Start by prepping all your ingredients: cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, dice the onion, and mince garlic cloves. Cook linguine according to package directions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving skillet juices.

Build Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the softened butter. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer & Thicken:

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, allowing it to slightly thicken and emulsify, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the rich base for your Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine.

Combine Flavors:

Return the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy. This step truly deepens the complex flavors of your dish.

Toss Pasta:

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and warmed through. Ensure all components are well integrated for the best Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine.

Garnish & Serve:

Stir in fresh chopped parsley and chives. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy your satisfying, rich, and creamy Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine.

How to Store Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine

To store your leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long, or the creamy sauce can spoil quickly – trust me, I’ve made that mistake! Discard if it smells sour.

You can prep the chicken, onion, and garlic a day in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the freshest taste, assemble the sauce and cook pasta just before serving.

Reheat gently, adding broth or cream to freshen the sauce. Avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine

Serve this rich Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine immediately, best enjoyed warm. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s perfect to pair with a crisp green salad or a glass of dry white wine, creating a wonderfully satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors!

My personal favorite way to enjoy this dish is alongside warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, buttery sauce. This combination truly makes the meal complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich. I tried milk once, and the sauce broke. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to half-and-half for extra thickness if needed.

→ How do I prevent the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta sauce from being too thin?

Ensure you allow the sauce to simmer gently for the full 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, as stated in step 4. This helps it emulsify and thicken naturally. A splash of reserved pasta water can also help bind it.

→ Can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free linguine or other pasta shape. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure of ingredients.

→ How long can I safely store leftover creamy pasta in the refrigerator?

Leftover creamy pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I learned the hard way that leaving it out spoils the sauce quickly. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

→ Can I freeze The Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for meal prep?

Freezing creamy pasta is generally not recommended, as the sauce can separate and become grainy upon reheating. While edible, it loses its luxurious texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.