This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a true taste adventure! It brings together the best of two worlds. Creamy, spiced butter chicken meets tender, twirlable linguine. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and wonderfully new. I remember when I first dreamed up this recipe. It was a rainy Sunday, and I was craving something hearty. My mind wandered to the rich flavors of Indian butter chicken, a dish I adore. But I also wanted the satisfying chew of pasta, a staple from my Italian roots. This creation is a delicious bridge between those two culinary loves. It’s become a new family favorite already!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

It’s incredibly easy to make.
The flavors are wonderfully rich and comforting.
It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Everyone will rave about the delicious taste.
It’s a unique twist on classic dishes.

Lina Kohn’s Culinary Journey

My love for cooking started young. Grandma’s kitchen in Italy was my first classroom. The smells of fresh basil and simmering sauces filled the air. I learned that simple ingredients could create magic. Life brought me to the USA, but that passion never faded. Gourmet Gusto is my way of sharing these flavors. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe truly embodies that spirit. It blends my Italian heritage with exciting new tastes. I’m thrilled to share my culinary explorations with you.

Gathering Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Ingredients

Let’s get ready to make some magic in the kitchen! To whip up this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll need a few key players. First off, grab one pound of linguine pasta. Make sure you have one tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing. For our star, we need one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into nice, bite-sized pieces. Seasoning is key, so have one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon each of black pepper and garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon each of paprika and cayenne pepper ready if you like a little heat.

Now for the sauce base: one-half cup of unsalted butter is essential. You’ll also need one medium onion, which should be finely chopped. Three cloves of garlic, minced, and one tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated, will give us that wonderful aromatic foundation. For those signature butter chicken spices, measure out one teaspoon each of garam masala, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of turmeric for that beautiful color.

The creamy, dreamy part comes from one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and one cup of heavy cream. Finally, for a burst of freshness at the end, have one-quarter cup of chopped fresh cilantro ready for garnish. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process a breeze!

Crafting Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! First, get your linguine boiling. Follow the package directions for cooking time. While that’s happening, drain the pasta. Save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold for your sauce later!

Now, let’s prep the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne if you’re feeling brave. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet. Use medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet. Set it aside for now.

Melt one-half cup of butter in that same skillet. Keep the heat on medium. Add your chopped onion. Cook it until it looks soft and a little see-through, about 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for just one more minute. You want that amazing smell to fill your kitchen!

Now for the spices! Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Keep stirring for about 30 seconds. This toasts them up beautifully. Pour in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Bring this mixture to a nice simmer.

Time for the creamy goodness! Stir in one cup of heavy cream. Bring it back to a gentle simmer. Don’t let it boil rapidly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This lets all those wonderful flavors meld perfectly.

Finally, add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together well. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water. Just a tablespoon at a time. Keep tossing until it’s just right. Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine right away! Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Perfecting Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Pro Tips

Want your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to be extra special? Always brown your chicken well. This adds so much flavor. Don’t rush that step. Getting the sauce consistency right is key. Use that reserved pasta water slowly. It helps create a silky texture. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta. You can always add a pinch more salt or spice. A little squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten everything up too. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Serving and Storage

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a star on its own. But, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro really makes it pop. It adds a lovely brightness. For a complete meal, try serving it with some warm garlic bread. Or, a simple green salad balances the richness perfectly. It’s a meal that feels special enough for company.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is easy. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Another option is to microwave it. Just cover the dish and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Got questions about this creamy chicken pasta? I’ve got answers!

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a delicious vegetarian version of this butter chicken pasta, simply swap the chicken. Use firm tofu or paneer instead. Cut it into cubes and pan-fry it until golden brown before adding it to the sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors without the meat.

What are good side dishes for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

This linguine recipe is quite satisfying on its own. However, it pairs wonderfully with a few things. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also work well.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, you can easily adjust the spice level. Add more cayenne pepper along with the other spices. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions. Some people even add a finely chopped green chili pepper with the ginger and garlic for an extra kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can! While linguine is wonderful, other pasta shapes work too. Fettuccine or even penne would be delicious. Just cook the pasta according to its package directions. The creamy butter chicken sauce clings beautifully to most pasta types.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Estimated Nutritional Value

Please note that the nutritional information provided for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an estimate. Actual values can vary. This depends on the specific ingredients you use and their brands. Portion sizes also play a role. It’s always a good idea to calculate based on your exact ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.

Share Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Experience

I truly hope you love making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine as much as I do! Did you try it? I’d be overjoyed if you shared your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Please rate this recipe too! Feel free to share your creations on social media. Tag me so I can see your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine 1-Pan Dream

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful fusion of creamy butter chicken flavors with tender linguine, offering a comforting and exciting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound linguine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro.