Cowboy Chicken Linguine: Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk dinner! I know the 5 PM panic all too well. Staring into the fridge, wondering how to conjure up a meal that’s quick, easy, and, dare I say, even pleases the picky eaters? Well, I’ve got you covered with my family’s absolute favorite: Cowboy Chicken Linguine!

I first made this Cowboy Chicken Linguine on a particularly chaotic Tuesday. The kids were bouncing off the walls, homework was piling up, and I had approximately zero energy to deal with anything complicated. I needed a dinner that was fast, comforting, and used ingredients I already had on hand. This Cowboy Chicken Linguine was the answer!

The moment I put it on the table, the house went quiet. Even my son, who usually exists on air and chicken nuggets, devoured a whole bowl. It was the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy – a real crowd-pleaser. From that day on, Cowboy Chicken Linguine became a staple in our rotation.

It fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s so adaptable. You can throw in whatever veggies you have lurking in the fridge, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even swap out the protein if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers!

Fellow kitchen warriors, I invite you to join me in embracing the beautiful chaos of feeding our families. This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is a sanity-saver. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Cowboy Chicken Linguine ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

No worries if you don’t have fresh cilantro! I often use dried cilantro, or just skip it altogether in my Cowboy Chicken Linguine. It still tastes amazing!

This Cowboy Chicken Linguine doesn’t have to break the bank. I often buy chicken breasts in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze them for later. Also, feel free to use a store-brand cheddar cheese – it tastes just as good!

Here’s a Cowboy Chicken Linguine trick that saved my sanity: I chop the onion and bell pepper while the pasta water is heating up. It’s a great way to multitask and get dinner on the table faster! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

My family loves when I add extra cheddar cheese to this Cowboy Chicken Linguine. It makes it extra creamy and delicious.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, let’s get this Cowboy Chicken Linguine show on the road! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step, just like we’re cooking together in my kitchen.

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it, you want it al dente! In my chaotic kitchen, this Cowboy Chicken Linguine usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook the pasta.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. While your Cowboy Chicken Linguine chicken is cooking, you can gather the rest of your ingredients.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Don’t panic if your onion starts to brown a little – it just adds flavor!
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), cream of chicken soup, and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here’s where I used to mess up my Cowboy Chicken Linguine: I wouldn’t stir it enough, and the sauce would burn on the bottom. Don’t make my mistake!
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Your Cowboy Chicken Linguine should smell amazing by now!
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. Make sure all the pasta is covered in that delicious, creamy sauce!
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and extra cheddar cheese, if desired. While your Cowboy Chicken Linguine is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is so easy, even my kids can help! They love stirring the pasta into the sauce (with supervision, of course!).

How We Love to Eat This!

This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is a regular on our dinner table, and we’ve found some ways to make it extra special!

The kids devour this Cowboy Chicken Linguine when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. The broccoli adds a little bit of green to the plate, and the salad is a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. It reminds me of another family favorite, this Pretzel Crusted Chicken.

This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends. I even made it for a friend who was feeling under the weather. They loved it!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro on top. It makes it look so much more appealing!

Leftovers are fantastic! I often pack them for lunch the next day, or we reheat them for another quick and easy dinner.

For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted corn in the summer or some butternut squash in the fall. It adds a nice touch of seasonal flavor to this Cowboy Chicken Linguine.

One time, I accidentally added a little too much chili powder to this Cowboy Chicken Linguine. My husband loved the extra spice, but the kids weren’t too thrilled!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you have questions, Mom Tribe, so let’s get to them! I’m here to help you navigate the beautiful chaos of mealtime.

Can my picky eater handle this Cowboy Chicken Linguine?

It depends on how picky they are! You can definitely adjust the spice level to their liking. Start with a small amount of chili powder and add more to taste. You can also leave out the diced tomatoes and green chilies altogether.

What if I burn my Cowboy Chicken Linguine? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If you only burned the bottom of the sauce, carefully transfer the unburned portion to a new pot. If the pasta is burned too, you might have to start over. But hey, we’ve all been there!

Can I make this Cowboy Chicken Linguine ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is perfect for meal prep. Just cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well in this Cowboy Chicken Linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. This spicy chicken linguine recipe is great with any type of pasta.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious in this Cowboy Chicken Linguine. You could also use a smoky gouda for a little extra flavor.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

No problem! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. Or, you can make your own creamy sauce by whisking together milk, flour, and butter. For more ideas, check out this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe from Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Corn, black beans, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions to this Cowboy Chicken Linguine. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!

Is this gluten-free friendly?

You can make this Cowboy Chicken Linguine gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Just be sure to check the labels to make sure everything is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts:

This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is more than just a recipe. It’s a symbol of those crazy weeknight dinners, the moments when we all come together around the table and connect, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the beautiful chaos, we can still create something delicious and nourishing for our families. And you can adjust this to be a cheddar chicken pasta!

My Cowboy Chicken Linguine Mom Hacks:

• Prep your veggies ahead of time. Chop the onion and bell pepper on Sunday night and store them in the fridge for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Use a rotisserie chicken. If you’re really short on time, skip the chicken breasts altogether and use a rotisserie chicken from the store.
• Double the recipe. This Cowboy Chicken Linguine is so good, you’ll want to make extra! Plus, it’s great for leftovers.

Here are a few family-tested Cowboy Chicken Linguine variations:

• Spicy Cowboy Chicken Linguine: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. You can also check out this article about Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce for more inspiration.
• BBQ Cowboy Chicken Linguine: Use BBQ sauce instead of chili powder and cumin for a smoky, tangy flavor. My son loves this version!
• Creamy Pesto Cowboy Chicken Linguine: Add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor. This southwest chicken pasta version is a big hit in our house!

My daughter prefers the classic version, while my husband always adds extra chili powder. And me? I love them all!

Fellow kitchen warriors, I hope you’ll give this Cowboy Chicken Linguine a try. Make it your own, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun! And if you want a similar recipe, try Hatch Green Chile Chicken Spaghetti.

I believe in you! You can do this! And remember, even if it’s not perfect, it’s still made with love. Enjoy your Cowboy Chicken Linguine! For another one pot meal option, check out this One Pot Cowboy Stew Recipe.

 

Print