Who doesn’t love a pasta dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and tender bites of chicken? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine packs a punch with its zesty cowboy butter sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and al dente linguine. Inspired by the rich flavors of cowboy butter, this recipe is a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and tangy goodness, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence.
Ingredients for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How To Make This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Step 3: Add Cowboy Butter:
- Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir until the butter has melted.
Step 5: Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Swap the Pasta: Use fettuccine or spaghetti as an alternative to linguine.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Why You Will Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a culinary experience that satisfies every craving. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Bold Flavors: The zesty cowboy butter sauce, with its blend of garlic, spices, and a hint of lemon, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Creamy Perfection: The rich, velvety sauce coats the linguine and chicken perfectly, delivering a luxurious texture that’s irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special without the hassle.
- Versatile Appeal: Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, impressing guests, or meal prepping, it’s a dish that suits every occasion.
- Customizable: From adding vegetables to adjusting spice levels, this recipe can be tailored to your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy pasta and juicy chicken appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe: Creamy, Zesty, and Irresistible
Indulge in the rich, zesty flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This quick and easy dish combines tender bites of seasoned chicken, creamy linguine, and a buttery sauce with a hint of spice and lemon. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this pasta is sure to impress your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Add Cowboy Butter:
- Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and tent with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir until the butter has melted.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Cooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the linguine until al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Cowboy Butter Shortcut: If you don’t have pre-made cowboy butter, make your own by mixing softened butter with garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika.
- Don’t Skip the Brown Bits: When making the sauce, scrape the browned bits from the skillet—they’re packed with flavor and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to reduce or increase the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Lemon Balance: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Add a little at a time to find the perfect balance of tanginess for your taste.
- Make It Your Own: Add extra toppings like grated Parmesan, crispy bacon, or roasted vegetables to elevate the dish further.
- Reheating Tip: To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce silky and prevent it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~680
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~35g
Associated dishes:
- Smothered meatloaf recipe is a must-try!
- Easy Stuffed Shells with Pesto and Tomato Beef Sauce
- Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Question can be ask :
Q: What is cowboy butter?
A: Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with spices, lemon juice, and herbs, perfect for adding richness to dishes.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added to the sauce, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap regular linguine for gluten-free pasta.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the red pepper flakes to reduce the spice level for kids.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and make dinner extraordinary!
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
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