Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and herbs for a delicious and satisfying dinner. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this comforting recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed evenings at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Easy and quick: Simple steps and minimal prep make this a weeknight favorite.
-
Comforting and flavorful: Creamy sauce with herbs and buttery goodness for a hearty meal.
-
Gentle on the joints: No intensive prep or chopping—perfect for a low-effort, high-reward dish.
-
Crowd-pleasing: Loved by adults and kids alike with its cozy, familiar flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 pound linguine pasta
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
-
½ cup chopped onion
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
-
½ cup milk
-
¼ cup butter
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Make the sauce: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, butter, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
-
Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
-
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep time: 10 minutes
-
Cook time: 20 minutes
-
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
-
Veggie boost: Stir in cooked spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition.
-
Cheesy version: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
-
Low-carb option: Substitute linguine with spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash.
-
Herb swap: Try basil or rosemary instead of oregano and thyme for a different flavor profile.
Storage/reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating:
-
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
-
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
-
-
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work well in place of linguine.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade sauce with butter, flour, broth, and cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, a plant-based milk, and a dairy-free condensed soup substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your soup is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook until just al dente and avoid overcooking during reheating.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add pre-cooked chicken during the final simmer to warm it through.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely. Use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano and 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme.
Does this freeze well?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Cream-based sauces may separate after freezing and thawing.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients proportionally and use a large enough skillet or pot.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and easy to love. With minimal prep, hearty ingredients, and plenty of comforting character, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights or easy weeknight meals. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a satisfying bowl of cowboy-inspired comfort.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, comforting pasta dish full of creamy flavor and tender chicken. With the savory blend of herbs, butter, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for weeknights. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
-
1 pound linguine pasta
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
-
1/2 cup chopped onion
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
-
1/2 cup milk
-
1/4 cup butter
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion for about 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add butter, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
-
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer on low for about 5 minutes to heat through.
-
Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat in the sauce.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
-
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
-
Swap linguine with fettuccine or penne if preferred.
-
Great served with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *