Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. The thigh meat is naturally more tender and flavorful, which pairs exceptionally well with the creamy, buttery sauce. If using thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're cooked through.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Simply cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately, then toss everything together with the cooked linguine just before serving. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and you can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious. Another option is to use a plant-based milk, such as unsweetened almond or cashew milk, for a dairy-free version of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gluten-free by substituting the linguine pasta with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free rice noodles or quinoa pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as gluten-free pasta may have slightly different cooking requirements.

Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Flavorful Pasta Dish

Name: Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Flavorful Pasta Dish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Chili powder; Cumin; Garlic powder; Paprika; Olive oil; Unsalted butter; Heavy cream; Parmesan cheese; Linguine pasta; Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Description

Succulent Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Creamy pasta dish w bold flavors Spiced chicken rich sauce al dente linguine Easy prep tech

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Chili powder

Cumin

Garlic powder

Paprika

Olive oil

Unsalted butter

Heavy cream

Parmesan cheese

Linguine pasta

Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with the spice blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated in the flavorful spices.

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice golden-brown crust.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and set the chicken aside on a cutting board. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.

Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet. Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat the chicken.

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the Cowboy Butter sauce.

Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwestern