COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE

I remember the first time I tried cowboy butter – it was at a little roadside diner, slathered on a steak. I was immediately obsessed! The bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile just blew me away. Now, imagine that same incredible flavor combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Pasta Night Upgrade you’ll ever make!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Your New Pasta Night Favorite

Alright, my friends, gather ’round! We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your pasta nights forever. Forget the same old marinara – we’re diving headfirst into the wild west of flavor with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with so much deliciousness that everyone will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!). It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I promise you’ll feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen when you whip this up.

What makes this pasta so special? It’s all about that cowboy butter. This isn’t your average butter sauce; it’s a symphony of herbs, spices, garlic, and a touch of lemon that creates an incredibly complex and irresistible flavor. When you toss it with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, you get a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, this is going to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: That cowboy butter is the star, bringing a unique and unforgettable taste.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy name fool you – this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a special date night.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or pasta.
• Comfort Food with a Kick: It’s comforting like your favorite pasta dish, but with a bold, exciting twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – the ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Linguine: 1 pound. Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape – fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work well.
• Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted. This is the base of our amazing cowboy butter.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s essential for that signature flavor!
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup, chopped. Another layer of fresh, herby goodness.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. A touch of earthy flavor.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). For a little kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Brightens up the sauce and balances the richness.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon. Adds a burst of citrus aroma.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon. For a smoky depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For cooking the chicken.
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine on the table in no time. I’ll be right there with you, guiding you every step of the way.

1. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
4. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and smoked paprika.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together. The aroma should be intoxicating!
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Prepare for rave reviews!

Success Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Want to guarantee a perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine every single time? Here are my top tips and tricks that will elevate your dish from good to absolutely phenomenal!

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through. Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure perfect results – aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the cowboy butter. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried, but reduce the amount by half.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Want more spice? Add more red pepper flakes. Need more tang? Add more lemon juice.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This is liquid gold! The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Don’t Be Afraid of the Butter: This is Cowboy Butter, after all! Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s essential for the rich, flavorful sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is how versatile it is. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: Sauté some chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cowboy butter.
• Change the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Use shrimp, steak, or even sausage instead.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an even richer sauce.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense flavor that pairs perfectly with the cowboy butter.
• Cheese Please: While Parmesan is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

Make it a Meal

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is fantastic on its own, but to make it a complete and satisfying meal, consider adding a few simple side dishes. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great option to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious cowboy butter sauce. For a heartier meal, you could add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Other Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try

If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes! You’ll find something for every taste and occasion.

For a delightful combination of smoky bacon and tender chicken, you absolutely must try my CHICKEN BACON PASTA. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!

If you’re craving something with a little BBQ flair, you’ll adore my BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a tangy twist.

For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and packed with flavor.

Need another quick weeknight win? Check out my Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit.

And for a creamy, garlicky delight, you HAVE to try my Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. It’s a 30-minute meal that tastes like it took hours to make.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how to make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time and store it for later:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat.
• Storage: Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Recipe

Here’s the full recipe, all in one place for easy reference:

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
4. Stir in the garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and smoked paprika.
5. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Conclusion: Saddle Up for a Flavor Adventure!

So there you have it, my friends! Your passport to a pasta night upgrade that’s sure to impress. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and the joy of cooking. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll absolutely love it! Don’t forget to share your creations with me, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and easy pasta dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine are tossed in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with herbs, spices, garlic, and lemon. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a comforting yet exciting twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound linguine
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving optional
• 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• knife
• Garlic mincer
• Lemon zester
• Lemon juicer
• tongs or spatula
• Serving bowls

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and smoked paprika.
5. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together. The aroma should be intoxicating!
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t overcook the chicken, and be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Reserved pasta water is key to creating a creamy sauce. You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients. To spice it up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.