![- Chicken requirements: Use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This type of chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy. - Pasta selection: Choose 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Linguine has a flat shape that holds sauce well. It pairs perfectly with creamy dishes. - Creamy components: You will need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of chicken broth. These ingredients create the rich and smooth base of the sauce. - Flavor enhancements: Use 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. These spices add depth and warmth. Adjust the cayenne to match your heat preference. - Toppings and garnishes: Finish your dish with 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. These add color and flavor. The parsley gives a fresh taste, while the cheese adds richness. You can find the complete cooking process in the Full Recipe section. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This salt adds flavor to the pasta. Add the linguine and cook it based on the package's instructions. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should be firm yet tender. Test it by tasting a piece. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce later. Set aside the drained linguine while you move on to the next steps. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in the skillet. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a bit of cayenne. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, cut into a piece. It should not be pink inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, letting it simmer again. After a couple of minutes, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so the tomatoes soften just a bit. Next, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together well. Finally, toss in the cooked linguine. If the sauce looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the creamy texture you want. To cook chicken well, aim for a temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. I recommend cooking chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows for even cooking. Always season your chicken well with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. To get the right sauce thickness, use reserved pasta water. Start with a little, then add more as needed. This water helps to create a creamy texture. Balance creaminess and flavor by adjusting the amount of cream. You want a rich taste without it being too heavy. For extra flavor, use herbs like parsley and spices like smoked paprika. Fresh herbs add brightness to your dish. If you want a twist, try adding different ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes or spinach can change the flavor profile. You can also use different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, for variety. For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu needs more time, about 6-8 minutes. Both options add a new twist to the dish. Adding seasonal veggies makes this dish even better. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work great. This keeps the dish colorful and crunchy. Balance is key. You want the flavors to mix well without one overpowering the other. Want more heat? You can safely raise the spice level. Start with a little more cayenne pepper. You can also add your favorite hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your taste. To keep your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The dish stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. To reheat without losing flavor, use a low heat method. You can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water. Heat it on low, stirring often. If using the microwave, cover the dish. Heat it in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. If you want to freeze your dish, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Yes, you can use regular butter. However, unsalted butter gives you more control over the taste. Salted butter adds extra salt, which can change the flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to add salt to your dish as needed. This way, you can adjust the saltiness to your preference. It enhances the dish without overpowering it. If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives change the flavor and texture a bit but work well. If you want to keep it creamy, blend in some silken tofu or cashew cream. These options still give a rich feel to the sauce. To make creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine gluten-free, switch to gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. For the sauce, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken until golden and store it in the fridge. Make the sauce and let it cool before storing. Keep both in airtight containers for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce together. Then, cook and add the linguine fresh for the best taste. You have all the tools to create a delicious meal. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and storage tips. Don’t forget to explore variations to keep things fresh and exciting. Always remember to taste as you go. Adjust flavors and textures to find what works best for you. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to share your unique twists. This dish can become a family favorite. Now, get ready to impress your loved ones with your skills!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/369cbce7-d397-4cb3-9fc5-dc3e0d15d4aa-300x300.webp)
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine! This easy recipe features tender chicken simmered in a decadent garlic butter sauce, tossed with luscious linguine and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this hearty, mouthwatering dish that everyone will love!