Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a winning combination of savory, creamy, and zesty flavors. The cowboy butter sauce adds richness with its blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, creating an irresistible coating for both the chicken and the linguine. You’ll love how easily it all comes together, making it perfect for both busy nights and special occasions. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the linguine gives it the perfect pasta base. It’s a comfort food classic with a southwestern twist that will leave everyone at the table asking for more!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest before slicing it into strips.

3. Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, dried parsley, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine: Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen it.

5. Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add some color and extra flavor to the dish.

• Spicy Kick: If you like a little more heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Chicken Alternatives: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even grilled shrimp for a different protein.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the linguine pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cowboy butter chicken linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to help bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would work well in place of linguine.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spice, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to your spice preference.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe is not keto-friendly due to the pasta, but you can substitute with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative to make it keto-friendly.

5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and better flavor.

6. How can I add more flavor to the cowboy butter sauce?

Try adding a little more garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or some grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Just warm it up in the sauce and skip the cooking step for the chicken.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as pasta can become mushy upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F.

10. Can I make this recipe without the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese if you prefer, or substitute it with another type of cheese, like Pecorino Romano.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken, a creamy and zesty sauce, and tender pasta. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish brings big flavor to the table without any hassle. Enjoy this deliciously satisfying meal with your loved ones!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy, and savory pasta dish that combines succulent chicken with a flavorful cowboy butter sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food, packed with robust flavors and served over linguine. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

• Cook the Linguine: Cook the linguine according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
• Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for another minute.
• Combine: Slice the chicken into thin strips and add it back to the skillet. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix everything together until the pasta is coated with the butter sauce.

Notes

• Feel free to add extra veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, for more texture and flavor.
• You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or another protein of your choice.
• Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.