Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a vibrant, zesty cowboy butter sauce, all tossed with al dente linguine.
It delivers incredible flavor in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious pasta!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
You’ll adore this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for so many reasons. It’s a fantastic choice for home cooks looking for big flavor without a big time commitment.
- This dish is unbelievably delicious and packed with a unique, savory taste.
- The recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike.
- You can have this amazing meal ready to serve in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- It’s easy to customize, letting you add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice.
- This versatile pasta dish makes a fantastic main course for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe uses simple ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. Gather these items to get started on your delicious pasta adventure.
- Pasta:
- Linguine: 8 ounces.
- Linguine: 8 ounces.
- Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 ½ pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon.
- Garlic salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Pepper: ¼ teaspoon.
- Sauce:
- Cowboy butter: ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57g), divided.
- Heavy cream: ¾ cup (178.5g).
- Garlic salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon.
- Lemon juice: ½ teaspoon.
- Garnish:
- Lemon slices.
- Fresh chopped parsley.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with certain ingredients. For pasta, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne instead of linguine. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully if you prefer them over breasts.
Cowboy butter is crucial for the signature flavor, but garlic herb butter can be a substitute in a pinch.
Heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Always use fresh lemon juice and parsley for the best brightness and aroma.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this amazing pasta dish. Make sure you have these basic kitchen tools ready before you begin cooking.
- Large pot for cooking pasta.
- Large skillet (oven-safe optional).
- Meat thermometer for checking chicken doneness.
- Tongs or a spatula for handling ingredients.
- Cutting board and a sharp knife for prep.
Instructions For The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Creating this flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is incredibly simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect meal every time.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Even pieces ensure consistent cooking.
- Season chicken: Transfer the cut chicken to a bowl. Toss it evenly with paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Make sure all chicken pieces are coated.
- Cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
- Add butter to chicken: Nestle 2 tablespoons of the cowboy butter into the skillet alongside the chicken. Flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm.
- Rest chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and place it onto a plate. Tent the plate loosely with foil to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Make sauce: Reduce the heat in the skillet to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add incredible flavor. Stir the sauce constantly until the cowboy butter has completely melted and everything is well combined.
- Combine & finish: Return the cooked linguine and the rested chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy, zesty cowboy butter sauce.
- Add lemon: Stir in the ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and adds a perfect tang to the rich sauce. Stir once more to combine the lemon juice.
- Serve: Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to serving plates immediately. Garnish each portion generously with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious and quick meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is easy with a few key tips.
- Flavorful chicken: Do not overcrowd your skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and even cooking, which builds flavor.
- Al dente pasta: Cook the linguine until it is firm to the bite, not mushy. It will absorb more sauce and finish cooking slightly when tossed in the skillet.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer the sauce gently on low heat. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Internal temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid under or overcooking.
- Heat level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference. Add more for a spicier kick or omit for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a meal in itself, but a few additions can make it even better.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley and a few more lemon slices for brightness.
- Pair your pasta with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the amazing sauce.
- A simple side of a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Storage
- Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth, water, or a little extra cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, cooked sausage, or pan-seared tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Gluten-free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free linguine or other gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream. Be aware this will subtly alter the flavor profile.
- Spicier: For those who love heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a small dash of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition Information
This rich and satisfying Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine provides a hearty meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 portion |
| Calories | 761 kcal |
(Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a compound butter made with herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic, chili, and lemon, creating a rich and zesty flavor. According to Southern Living, cowboy butter is made with a blend of butter, garlic, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, you can absolutely use other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne; just cook according to package directions.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra vegetables, chickpeas, or a plant-based protein alternative.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to create an unforgettable meal with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This recipe truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a perfect addition to your weekly rotation.
The tender chicken, zesty cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine combine for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Give this unique and incredibly delicious pasta a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Explore other fantastic cowboy butter recipes for even more culinary adventures!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss with paprika, ½ tsp garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes until golden. Add 2 tbsp cowboy butter, flip, and cook 3–4 minutes more until done (165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Lower heat. Add remaining 2 tbsp cowboy butter, heavy cream, 1 tsp garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and deglaze the pan.
- Return linguine and chicken to skillet. Toss to coat. Stir in lemon juice and mix well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cowboy butter can be swapped with garlic herb butter.
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