COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE AMAZING

Imagine twirling tender linguine coated in a rich, herby, slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce, studded with juicy pieces of chicken – it’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. I promise you, every bite will have you craving more!

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cookin’: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need this later to adjust the sauce consistency!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated!
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cowboy Butter

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. You can use a fork or a small whisk to get it nice and smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet (the same one you used for the chicken – all those browned bits add extra flavor!).
2. Add the Cowboy Butter to the pasta.
3. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Gently stir in the cooked chicken.
5. Heat through for another minute or two, ensuring the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is nicely coating everything.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Get ready for the compliments!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Sometimes things don’t go *exactly* as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

The Sauce is Too Thick

No worries! This is easily fixable. Add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the noodles.

The Sauce is Too Thin

If your sauce is too thin, you can try simmering it over low heat for a few minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. You can also add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese, which will help to thicken the sauce and add a nice cheesy flavor.

The Chicken is Dry

To prevent dry chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Cooking it in bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. You can also marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes before cooking to help keep it moist. If the chicken is *already* dry, tossing it with the Cowboy Butter sauce will help to rehydrate it and add flavor.

Spice Level Too High?

If you find the dish too spicy, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to cool down the spice.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Variations

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some ideas:

Add Vegetables

Sauté some sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrients. Asparagus and zucchini would also be delicious additions.

Make it Creamy

Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for an extra creamy and decadent dish. This will make it even more indulgent!

Spice it Up

If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Cowboy Butter sauce.

Use Different Protein

While this recipe calls for chicken, you could easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for side dishes to complete your meal:

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots

Other Delicious Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re a pasta lover like me, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy!

• Try this Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for a comforting classic.
• For a creamy and flavorful option, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• If you want a quick and easy meal, this Garlic Butter Chicken Mac is a winner.
• You might also like Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
• Or experience the flavors of Butter Chicken.
• Craving more cowboy flavors? Try this Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave the pasta for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Be careful not to overheat, as the sauce can separate.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Pasta Dish

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is truly a winner – it’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine features tender linguine coated in a rich, herby, slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce, studded with juicy pieces of chicken. It’s a comforting and exciting flavor explosion, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• medium bowl
• Fork or whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Cutting board
• knife

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
8. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
9. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
10. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet (the same one you used for the chicken).
11. Add the Cowboy Butter to the pasta.
12. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
13. Gently stir in the cooked chicken.
14. Heat through for another minute or two, ensuring the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is nicely coating everything.
15. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed. For a creamier dish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce. Add sauteed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. You can also use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.