Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine that impresses at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta Cook according to package instructions
Aromatics
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced Sauté to release aroma
Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter 3 tbsp for sautéing chicken, 3 tbsp for sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Add directly to the cooked chicken
Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Sprinkle on top before serving
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes Adjust according to taste
Seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust to preference
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add the linguine, and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking the Garlic
- Move the chicken to one side of the skillet, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Combining Everything
- Add reserved linguine to the skillet with chicken and sauce, toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, adjust seasoning as needed, and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
Serving the Dish
- Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavors, consider adding cherry tomatoes or your favorite vegetables like spinach. Try garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.