If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, comfort, and a touch of Southern charm, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish marries tender, juicy chicken bites with rich, buttery sauce infused with just the right blend of spices and a hint of heat. Tossed together with perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is carefully chosen to work in harmony, creating a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the heartiness of the chicken to the creamy, buttery sauce, every element is simple yet crucial for this tasty experience.
- Linguine (8 ounces): This pasta holds the sauce beautifully and provides a perfect base to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring every forkful has tender, flavorful chicken.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity depth and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild smokiness and lovely color to the chicken.
- Garlic salt (½ teaspoon for seasoning and 1 teaspoon for sauce): Enhances the savory flavors, giving a wonderful garlic punch without overpowering.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a gentle hint of heat and complexity.
- Cowboy butter (¼ cup, divided): The star of the dish – a buttery blend loaded with garlic and herbs that transform the sauce and chicken into a rich, indulgent delight.
- Heavy cream (¾ cup): Creates a luscious, silky sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Lemon juice (½ teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Lemon slices and chopped parsley for garnish: Provide fresh, zesty color and a pop of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine. Cook it until al dente, just tender but still with a little bite, which is perfect for soaking up the sauce later. Once done, drain the linguine and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side before tossing. Add half of the cowboy butter to the skillet and continue cooking until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, after the chicken is cooked, melt the remaining cowboy butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the additional garlic salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together gently until the sauce thickens slightly and is creamy throughout.
Step 4: Combine Linguine, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure each strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated generously with that incredible cowboy butter sauce. Finish it off by stirring in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to serving dishes, then garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This final touch not only adds a fresh aroma but also a vibrant pop of color to your plate.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your dish really comes alive. The lemon slices deliver a bright visual contrast and add an invigorating citrus aroma. Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, making every bite dynamic. Don’t be shy with your garnishes; they elevate both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus to add some crunch and freshness. A simple crusty bread also works like magic for sopping up every last bit of that cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, try serving the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in shallow bowls instead of plates—this helps keep the sauce pooled with the pasta. You can also drizzle a little extra melted cowboy butter on top before serving or sprinkle finely grated Parmesan alongside the parsley for a cheesy twist. These touches make a comforting meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the integrity of the sauce and chicken texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave on high heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal here for holding the sauce, feel free to substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter loaded with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s perfect for adding rich, robust flavor to meats and sauces, making it the star ingredient in this recipe’s sauce and chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat in this recipe is mild and friendly, coming from a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less according to your taste preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Just keep the linguine and sauce separate if possible to avoid the pasta getting too soft. Store portions in airtight containers, and reheat gently before eating.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the creamy, buttery sauce and chicken. The bright acidity of these wines balances the richness and complements the subtle spices perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with personality, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe fits the bill splendidly. It’s simple to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a special meal without fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds are in for a treat, and your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas that invite everyone to the table.
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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 flavorful dish combining tender chicken bites seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, tossed with linguine pasta in a creamy, buttery sauce infused with garlic and a hint of spice. Garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley, it offers a comforting yet zesty meal perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
Sauce
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken bites with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Add half of the cowboy butter (2 tablespoons) to the skillet and continue cooking the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 3 more minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, then add 1 teaspoon garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is well combined.
- Combine Dish: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken. Stir in ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken with sauce. Garnish generously with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute cowboy butter with a compound butter made by mixing butter with garlic, herbs, and spices if unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
