Imagine bringing together the bold zest of cowboy butter sauce with tender chicken and silk-ribboned pasta—Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dream dinner slinging comfort and rustic charm in every forkful. This dish is not just packed with flavor, but it’s got enough buttery garlic, punchy herbs, and spice to have everyone licking their plates clean and asking for seconds. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine elevates weeknight cooking into something that feels a little bit special, with no complicated ingredients or fussy techniques required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every part of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine shines thanks to thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds not just flavor, but texture, color, and character that make this recipe worth repeating any night of the week.
- Linguine pasta: Its flat, slightly chewy strands are perfect for catching every drop of buttery sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into thin strips, they cook quickly and soak up all the spicy, buttery flavors.
- Olive oil: Lends richness and helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance and round out the base flavors in every bite.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smoke and a beautiful warm hue to your chicken strips.
- Garlic powder: For depth—a must in the traditional cowboy butter experience.
- Onion powder: A gentle background sweetness to balance the savoriness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Brings a playful, gentle heat—add or skip based on your spice preference.
- Unsalted butter: The hero of the sauce, giving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine its rich, velvety finish.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for aromatic magic in every swirl.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and complexity to cut through the richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with zippy, fresh acidity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Scatters pops of heat throughout the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Fragrant, herby, and a pop of green for flavor and looks.
- Fresh chives: Mildly oniony and elegant, they finish the dish beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for the final luscious toss.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by cooking your linguine according to package directions until just al dente—meaning there should still be a little bite to the pasta, not mushy. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water; this starchy liquid comes in handy when it’s time to bring your cowboy butter sauce and pasta together.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Toss the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if you’re feeling bold. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high, then add your seasoned chicken. Let it sizzle for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, but don’t clean that skillet—you’ll use all those tasty brown bits for flavor!
Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to pick up those savory pan drippings. Add minced garlic and gently sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Swirl in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let everything bubble together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to merge the flavors into a silky sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Now, return the cooked chicken and linguine back to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so every strand of pasta and every piece of juicy chicken gets coated in all that cowboy butter goodness. This is where reserved pasta water can help; a splash or two will loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles perfectly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, chives, and generous Parmesan while the pan is still warm. Toss once more until the herbs wilt into the sauce and the cheese melts in. Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, with more fresh herbs or grated cheese for extra flair if you like.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Garnishes
Topping Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with an extra flurry of fresh parsley and chives, along with a good dusting of Parmesan, takes the dish from weeknight easy to dinner party ready. These simple garnishes supply fresh flavor and create an inviting, vibrant look—don’t be shy!
Side Dishes
For a memorable meal, pair Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with something light and crisp, like a lemony arugula salad or roasted asparagus. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is also a favorite for sopping up any last drops of sauce. Trust me, no one will want to leave those behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling individual portions of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into elegant nests with tongs—or serve family style on a beautiful platter with all the herby, cheesy toppings sprinkled over. For another twist, add roasted cherry tomatoes on top or use colorful heirloom pasta to really make the presentation pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen and meld in the best way as it sits overnight. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
While Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is at its very best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure the pasta and chicken are well coated in sauce, as this prevents drying. Thaw it gently in the refrigerator before reheating for the tastiest results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of water or a tiny bit more butter to revive the silky sauce before microwaving or warming gently on the stovetop. Stir frequently and heat only until warmed through, so the chicken stays tender and the pasta remains luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine is classic here for its texture, feel free to swap it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free alternative. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to your pasta of choice.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No fresh parsley or chives? No problem—dried versions can step in, though their flavors are more concentrated, so use them sparingly. If possible, a sprinkle of scallions or a bit of basil also brings lovely brightness to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Is there a way to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine creamier?
Definitely! For a creamy take, just stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream after you finish the cowboy butter sauce, right before adding the chicken and pasta. It transforms the dish into something extra decadent and luxurious.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Of course—the recipe is incredibly flexible. Shrimp works beautifully in place of chicken, or you can try sliced turkey breast, tofu, or even roasted veggies if you want a meatless version. The cowboy butter sauce complements them all!
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together?
When your pasta finishes cooking, be sure to drain it just before serving and toss it directly with the sauce while still hot. That way, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stays glossy and perfectly separated, never gummy or clumpy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed pasta that feels like a warm embrace, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine absolutely fits the bill. It’s a joy to make, endlessly inviting on the table, and always leaves smiles around the dinner table. Grab your skillet and give Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a spin—you’ll want this recipe on repeat!
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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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips with a creamy, buttery sauce. This pasta dish is infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, making it a favorite for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Cook linguine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken with spices and cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to skillet, add linguine. Toss to coat. Add herbs and Parmesan. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Garnish with additional herbs and cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or use gluten-free pasta.
- For a creamy variation, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
