Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich cowboy butter, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta for a meal that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. The cowboy butter sauce—made with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of spice—adds a bold and zesty kick to the dish. This recipe combines the savory goodness of the chicken with the creamy, buttery sauce, making it a fantastic dinner option for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful

The cowboy butter sauce is packed with rich flavors from garlic, lemon, and spices, elevating the chicken and pasta with every bite. It’s a decadent sauce that perfectly complements the linguine.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time but craving something delicious.

3. Comforting and Satisfying

With juicy chicken, linguine pasta, and a buttery sauce, this dish is both filling and comforting—perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to your tastes. Add extra veggies, switch the chicken for shrimp, or add more heat if you like it spicy. It’s versatile and can be tailored to suit any preference.

5. Restaurant-Quality at Home

The rich flavors and creamy sauce make this dish feel like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Linguine pasta
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice and zest
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Fresh thyme (chopped)
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta to increase the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Swap Chicken for Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap out the chicken for shrimp. Just cook them for a shorter amount of time.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version of the sauce, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Pasta Swap: Feel free to swap out the linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the butter sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs more liquid.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and give it another gentle toss to combine everything.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the cowboy butter chicken linguine in bowls, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley for garnish if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.
• Add Pasta Water Slowly: When adding reserved pasta water to the sauce, do it in small increments to control the sauce’s consistency.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce, so try to use fresh if possible. Dried herbs can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Grill the Chicken: For added flavor, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them. This will give the dish a smoky, charred taste.

How to Serve

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best served as a main course for dinner. Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It’s also delicious with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, but it will still be tasty when reheated.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and pasta (without the Parmesan) for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, adding a little extra butter or pasta water to help loosen the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and will be even juicier than breasts. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the chicken and pasta are best served fresh, you can prepare the components (chicken, pasta, and sauce) in advance and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the chicken and substitute it with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or even extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would all work great with the cowboy butter sauce.

5. Can I add extra veggies?

Yes, add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor and color.

6. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

To keep the chicken juicy, be sure to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

7. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter sauce for extra heat.

8. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs in place of fresh ones, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. About 1/3 of the amount is typically sufficient.

9. How do I make this dish creamier?

If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the butter sauce.

10. Can I add Parmesan cheese to the sauce?

Yes, you can stir grated Parmesan into the sauce while cooking for an extra rich, cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and flavorful, making it a wonderful dish for any occasion. With tender chicken, savory cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the comfort of homemade pasta with a zesty, buttery twist!

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