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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy pasta dish with juicy chicken.
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.