If you’re ready to fall in love with pasta all over again, get your taste buds ready for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish mixes bold, buttery flavors with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked linguine in a way that just begs you to dig in. With a golden, herby cowboy butter sauce tying it all together, every forkful feels like a cozy dinner around the campfire—no boots or hats required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each component brings its own magic—from the tender chicken and velvety linguine to the zesty cowboy butter that steals the show. Here’s what you’ll need to make this unforgettable meal.
- Chicken breast: Lean and tender, this is the perfect canvas for soaking up that rich cowboy butter sauce.
- Linguine: Long, flat strands grab plenty of saucy goodness for every satisfying bite.
- Unsalted butter: The base of your cowboy butter, so you can control the saltiness.
- Fresh garlic: Provides punchy, aromatic depth to the whole dish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the rich flavors and makes everything pop.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Delivers color and a clean, herby bite.
- Chives: Lends a subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes: A hint of heat that keeps you coming back for more (add more if you love spice!).
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a smokiness that makes this dish truly cowboy-worthy.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously to enhance every flavor.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to delicious, golden perfection.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Shaved on top, it melts into the sauce—pure comfort!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear on both sides until golden and cooked through. Rest the chicken briefly, then slice it into thin strips so it’s ready to star alongside your pasta.
Step 2: Boil the Linguine
While the chicken rests, bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop in your linguine and cook until just al dente, following package instructions. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water before draining, as it helps the sauce cling beautifully later on.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Add your butter to the skillet, letting it melt over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic, watching it closely as it becomes fragrant but before it browns. Next, whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Finish with a burst of fresh parsley and chives—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Combine and Toss Everything
Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet, along with your drained linguine. Toss gently to coat every strand and chicken piece in that irresistible cowboy butter. If things seem a little dry, add splashes of your reserved pasta water until the sauce looks luxuriously glossy and silky.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the whole pan, toss again, and you’re ready to serve up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. The aroma is so tempting you’ll barely need to call everyone to the table—it’ll bring them running!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Garnishes
This dish loves a generous shower of Parmesan right before serving, along with extra fresh chives or parsley for that final burst of green. For a spicy kick, a few extra chili flakes on top never hurt—just adjust to everyone’s taste at the table.
Side Dishes
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a pile of garlicky roasted vegetables. Some warm, crusty bread on the side is also perfect for sopping up leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For fun presentation, try twirling portions into neat little nests before plating or serve in rustic bowls for that “outdoor cookout” vibe. If you’re feeding a group, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone help themselves, family style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for a fantastic lunch the next day.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly when thawed, but it’s still delicious for a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth, stirring until heated through. This helps to revive the sauce and keep everything tasting fresh (plus, your kitchen gets that heavenly cowboy butter aroma all over again!).
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! Spaghetti or fettuccine will work beautifully in this recipe. Just try to pick a shape that catches plenty of the sauce to keep every bite flavorful.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The level of heat is totally customizable. The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the final toss, then gently reheat with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth just before serving to maintain that creamy, glossy sauce everyone will love.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine or pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy change!
What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
This recipe is also fantastic with cooked shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. The cowboy butter sauce is truly universal!
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a meal that’s big on comfort and big on flavor, and Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers every time. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself after a busy day, I hope you try this recipe soon and make it one of your go-to favorites!
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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: Halal
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, zesty, and hearty pasta dish inspired by the flavors of classic cowboy butter sauce. Tender chicken breast is sautéed and tossed with rich, garlicky cowboy butter, then folded into silky linguine for a weeknight dinner everyone will love. Lemon, herbs, and a hint of spice perfectly balance the richness, making every bite crave-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the cowboy butter mixture and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic and melted, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time until a silky sauce forms.
- Add Chicken & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta. Toss well so the chicken is coated in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Divide pasta among plates, garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of fresh herbs such as tarragon, dill, or basil in your cowboy butter.
- If you want a saucier pasta, reserve a bit more pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- You can substitute boneless skinless thighs for the chicken breast for added richness.
- To make it spicier, increase the cayenne or red pepper flakes.
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