Description

How to make a rich and creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pasta with tender chicken and aromatic herbs that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base & Main Components:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
16 oz linguine pasta
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavor Builders:
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
Seasonings & Spices:
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Finishing & Toppings:
0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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Instructions

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.

Notes

Don’t rush simmering the sauce; frequent stirring helps it emulsify and thicken beautifully for a creamy texture.

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently with broth or cream.

Make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free linguine or pasta; check labels for ingredients.

Serve immediately, best enjoyed warm, garnished with Parmesan and fresh chives, ideally with crusty garlic bread.

Prep chicken, onion, and garlic a day ahead; store separately in airtight containers for quicker assembly.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten