Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those heartwarming dishes that brings people together around the dinner table. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked linguine pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re wanting to impress your family on a busy weeknight or creating a cozy dinner for friends, this recipe has got you covered. It’s comfort food at its best, with a blend of herbs and spices that elevate the flavors to a whole new level.
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re looking for something that stands out, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an absolute must-try. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch in taste with a comforting, buttery sauce that makes every bite irresistibly good. It’s budget-friendly—using everyday ingredients—and your kids will likely devour it. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something that feels special without more than 30 minutes of dedicated cooking time.
"This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine blew me away! The sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken was perfectly tender. My family couldn’t stop talking about it!" — A Happy Home Cook
Preparing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is straightforward and can be summed up in just a few steps: sautéing the chicken, cooking the pasta, crafting that irresistible cowboy butter sauce, and finally, tossing everything together. You’ll find that the combination of garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon juice adds a delightful zing that makes this dish pop. Let’s gather what you need.
What you’ll need
To whip up this delicious dish, head to your kitchen and grab the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Feel free to customize the spices based on what you have or prefer. You can also substitute other pastas if linguine isn’t your favorite!
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to create this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Cook the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Aim for al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld those delicious flavors.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Slice the chicken and lay it on top, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme.
Serve and Garnish: Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, and don’t be shy with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for the final touch!
Best ways to enjoy it
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is perfect on its own, but why not elevate your meal even further? Consider pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Garlic bread is ever-popular and can be a great companion to this buttery dish. For beverages, a light white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon sets the tone beautifully for your gathering.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Store any uneaten Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce up, or microwave it in short bursts.
Helpful cooking tips
To take your dish to the next level, consider these pro chef tips:
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F can help.
- Add veggies! Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can easily be added to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
- A sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving can brighten the dish even more.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating different proteins such as shrimp or scallops in place of chicken, or even go vegetarian by using chickpeas or a medley of seasonal vegetables. You can switch up the spices based on your preferences—try some Italian herbs for a different flair or a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
The total preparation and cooking time is around 30-35 minutes, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap linguine with spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they should remain fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the pasta’s texture.
Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, get ready to bring this flavorful dish to life in your own kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A heartwarming dish combining tender chicken, linguine pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce that elevates flavors and brings families together.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions, aiming for al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Slice the chicken and lay it on top, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme.
- Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, garnishing generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg