If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, get ready to fall head over heels for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish takes tender bites of chicken, twirls of linguine, and smothers them in a velvety sauce packed with garlic, herbs, zesty lemon, and just the right kick of spice. The star is cowboy butter: a magical medley of melted butter, Dijon, smoked paprika, and more that makes every bite shine with rustic, feel-good flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just craving something super satisfying, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is bound to become a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, ensuring every forkful bursts with flavor and the perfect balance of creaminess, zest, and a little heat. Each one has a special role—no ingredient is here by accident!
- 12 oz linguine pasta: Linguine offers the ideal width to soak up all that luscious cowboy butter sauce.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken provides a hearty base and a juicy bite that drinks in all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps brown and tenderize the chicken while building layers of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Never underestimate the basics—they enhance all the bold spices in this dish.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the heart of cowboy butter—rich, melty, and mouthwatering.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses irresistible aroma and depth into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Just a touch of Dijon adds tang and helps balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky paprika brings warmth and subtle earthiness to every mouthful.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For that perfect cowboy kick—add more or less to suit your heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a vital splash of brightness that makes the sauce sing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Parsley not only adds color but brightens the flavors with freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme is earthy and aromatic, deepening the overall flavor of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary: Rosemary offers a rustic, piney note that’s classic cowboy territory.
- Grated Parmesan and extra parsley for garnish (optional): A snowy blanket of Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley turn this into a show-stopping plate.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, set it aside, and reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. This step creates the base for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to twirl and shine!
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside so it stays juicy and ready for its next starring moment.
Step 3: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and toss the unsalted butter into the same skillet. As it melts, your kitchen will start to smell incredible! Add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together and let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and the flavors begin to meld—the sauce is the heart of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, don’t rush it!
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Toss with Sauce
Place the cooked chicken back into the buttery, herby sauce. Stir so every piece gets coated in the cowboy butter goodness. You’ll notice the color deepen and the kitchen get even more irresistible. Let everything simmer together for a minute so the flavors can mingle.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the drained linguine straight into the skillet. Toss with tongs until every noodle is slicked with sauce and mixed with savory chicken. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to each strand. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is now ready for its grand finale—top with grated Parmesan and a little extra parsley if you love that fresh flair!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Garnishes
A generous dusting of grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley transform this dish from homey to restaurant-worthy. You can also add a light sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for some color and extra kick—beautiful and delicious in one swoop!
Side Dishes
Pair Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a lightly dressed green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are winners for soaking up the last bits of sauce—you’ll want every drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, spiraling the noodles with tongs for a beautiful mound. Or, place the whole skillet in the center of the table for a casual, family-style dinner—just let everyone dig in. You can even nestle the chicken and linguine in mini cast-iron pans for a rustic, party-ready vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making those next-day forkfuls especially delightful. Just remember to let it cool before storing.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. The texture will be best if you reheat gently and add a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a spoonful of water, chicken broth, or a bit more butter to bring back the sauciness. Stir often and heat until steaming throughout—Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just as dreamy the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed so they’re perfectly tender for your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika or even a pinch of chipotle powder for extra smokiness. Either way, that pop of flavor helps capture the cowboy spirit in this irresistible dish.
Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Of course! Simply cut back on the red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter sauce. You can always add a sprinkle to finished plates for those who like extra heat.
How can I make this dish more vegetable-packed?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even a handful of baby kale wilt perfectly into Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Stir them into the sauce just before tossing with pasta for extra color and nutrition.
Can I use another pasta shape instead of linguine?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well. The goal is to have a pasta that holds onto the luscious cowboy butter sauce and hugs those bites of chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re itching for a fresh twist on classic comfort food, give Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a spot on your dinner table. It’s easy enough for a weekday yet special enough for guests, and every bite promises rich, sunny, Southern-style flavor. Grab your apron and dig in—you’ll be making this again and again!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavorful combination of cowboy butter sauce with tender chicken and linguine pasta in this easy-to-make and satisfying cowboy butter chicken linguine dish.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan and extra parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken, brown in olive oil, then set aside.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, mustard, paprika, red pepper, lemon juice, herbs, cook until fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, add linguine, toss together until heated through. Serve topped with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust spice level by reducing red pepper flakes.
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