If you are looking for a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and just the right touch of rustic charm, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is your new go-to meal. This dish artfully combines tender chicken, a luscious buttery herb sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine to deliver a satisfying and memorable dinner experience. Every forkful bursts with smoky paprika, fresh herbs, and garlic – it’s like a warm, cozy dinner hug from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, balance, and texture that will make your dinner a true standout.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender, soaking up all the spices beautifully.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: A long, flat pasta that holds onto sauce like a charm, offering perfect bite-sized comfort.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, it’s the foundation for the cowboy butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, herbal note and color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Earthy and subtle, enhancing the rustic cowboy feel.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Instills a smoky warmth that’s signature to the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory flavor layers.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick if you like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a comforting richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A bright, acidic cut through the buttery richness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: A salty, savory finish that melts deliciously on top.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice sear. Then, generously season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. This combination creates a beautiful smoky, slightly spicy crust that’s essential for the cowboy flavor profile.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, fully cooked chicken. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest—this helps keep it moist when sliced later.
Step 3: Boil the Linguine Until Al Dente
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water will help bring the sauce and pasta together beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, fresh parsley, and thyme, cooking just for 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and the herbs release their aroma. This creates the herbal, buttery base that elevates the whole dish.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection
Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, letting the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This step melds the flavors and slightly reduces the liquid, intensifying the taste—season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips. Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss it well in the cowboy butter sauce. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce and ensure every strand of linguine is luxuriously coated. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 7: Serve Immediately with Tasty Garnishes
Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine onto plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra chopped herbs. Serve while hot for a meal that’s as inviting as it is satisfying.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, creamy touch that enriches the dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top to add color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider twirling the linguine into neat nests on each plate for a restaurant-style look, and add a sprig of fresh herbs on top for a gorgeous finish. Serving in warm bowls will help keep the dish cozy and inviting at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious second-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the chicken from the pasta and sauce for best quality. Store the components in airtight containers or freezer bags. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, and the pasta with sauce for about 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to evenly heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully thanks to its shape and texture, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would all be delicious alternatives that hold the butter sauce well.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes necessary?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but if you prefer a milder version of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, simply leave them out. The dish will still be full of flavor.
What is the best way to cook chicken evenly?
Patting the chicken dry and allowing it to come to room temperature before cooking helps with even cooking. Using medium heat ensures a nice golden crust without burning while thoroughly cooking the inside.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the cowboy butter sauce in advance and gently reheat it when ready to serve. However, it’s freshest and most vibrant right after cooking, so prepping just before dinner is ideal.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for garnish. The flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is a delightful blend of comforting textures and bold, savory flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite that you’ll come back to time and time again. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every decadent, buttery bite!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts served over linguine tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with fresh herbs, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon. This easy 30-minute recipe combines hearty protein with comforting pasta and bold, smoky seasoning for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Extra fresh parsley or thyme (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This seasoning blend forms the flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips to make it easy to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky, luscious sauce texture.
- Add the Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the skillet with the pasta and sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed and coated.
- Serve: Divide the pasta and chicken among plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and improve its creaminess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh herbs add brightness—feel free to add more parsley or thyme when garnishing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
