Go Back
If you're on the hunt for a dish that perfectly marries comfort with bold flavors, look no further than Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This delightful recipe blends tender chicken, rich butter, and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that clings to every strand of linguine. Its appeal lies not only in the taste but also in its ability to bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and special occasions.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. This deliciously creamy dish combines tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich butter sauce that clings to perfectly cooked linguine. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that delights everyone at the table, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Elevate your dining experience with this easy, flavorful recipe!

Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for freshness)

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

        Add creamy elements: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine everything: Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Toss everything together until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.

            Mix in the pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

              Serve: Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4