If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, zesty, and savory flavors with comforting pasta and tender chicken, you need to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s a deliciously rustic yet elegant meal that brings together succulent chicken, luxurious cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. Every bite bursts with flavor, making this recipe an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect flavor profile and delightful texture. From the creamy sauce to the tender chicken and delicate pasta, every component shines through beautifully.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: Provides the perfect base with its long, flat shape that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender protein that soaks up the spices and sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the savory notes both in the chicken and the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors perfectly throughout the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat and depth.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided: The star ingredient that makes this recipe so special with rich, buttery, garlicky flavor.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Boosts the sauce’s savory profile.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice that warms without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Cuts through the richness of the sauce with a bright, fresh finish.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Adds an inviting citrus aroma and pop of color.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling the linguine in generously salted water until it reaches al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This texture is essential so that the pasta holds up well when it comes time to toss with the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse them with a smoky, savory flavor. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Just before finishing, stir in 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to melt into the chicken, adding that signature richness and punch of garlic. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter to the skillet, letting it melt slowly. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle the garlic salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s where much of the flavor lives! Stir the mixture until the butter is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything until perfectly coated in the luscious cowboy butter sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice last to brighten all the flavors and add a subtle tang. Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is now ready to plate and enjoy.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can add that extra layer of beauty and flavor to your dish. Fresh lemon slices placed atop the pasta not only look inviting but also release a zesty aroma each time you take a bite. A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herbaceous freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and flavorful, so lighter, crisp sides balance it perfectly. Consider serving a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic to help soak up any leftover sauce you just won’t want to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual vibe, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe straight from the skillet to the table—no fuss, just pure comfort. For a special occasion, twirl the linguine neatly onto plates with a slotted spoon, then fan the chicken pieces around the pasta and top with garnishes. Drizzle a little extra melted cowboy butter on top to impress any crowd with the buttery decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe tastes wonderful when stored properly. Place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, and the sauce might thicken, so give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
Because the creamy sauce contains dairy, freezing isn’t recommended as it may change the texture and cause separation once thawed. If you must freeze, store the chicken and linguine separately from the sauce in airtight containers and defrost slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, use a skillet over medium-low heat to gently reheat the pasta and chicken, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid the microwave if possible, as gentle reheating preserves the sauce’s smooth texture and prevents drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect because it holds the sauce well, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What exactly is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, herbs, and spices that adds a scrumptious richness to dishes. It’s essential in this recipe for its bold, garlicky flavor and luscious texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until nicely browned and cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the linguine pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta for gluten-free pasta of your choice without changing any other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, decadent, and effortlessly delicious dinner idea, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe hits every mark. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh finishing touches, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Dive into making this recipe soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in flavorful cowboy butter, then tossed with linguine and a luscious garlic cream sauce. Finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple yet indulgent.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Cook the linguine according to the package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last moments of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet and toss the chicken to coat. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken thoroughly with the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice for brightness. Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh parsley and fresh lemon slices to garnish just before serving.
- The cowboy butter adds a richly seasoned, slightly spicy taste; you can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- If you want a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Linguine can be replaced with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
