COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE AMAZING

Picture twirling strands of linguine, each one coated in a creamy, herby, slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce, and studded with tender, juicy pieces of chicken. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the flavor? Forget about it! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, promising a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Linguine:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Talk Cowboy Butter

Okay, before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the star of the show: Cowboy Butter. This isn’t your average butter sauce; it’s a flavor explosion! The combination of herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon creates a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Prefer more garlic? Go for it! Want to add a different herb, like thyme or rosemary? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial – properly salted water is key to flavorful pasta.
2. While the water is heating up, prepare the Cowboy Butter. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

6. Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it!
7. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy sauce.
8. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Combine Everything

9. Add the Cowboy Butter to the skillet with the pasta and chicken. Toss everything together until the butter is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
10. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where the pasta water really shines!
11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

Serve it Up!

12. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
13. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
• Use Softened Butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start.
• Reserve Pasta Water: As mentioned before, the pasta water is key to creating a perfect sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you want a spicier dish.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Cowboy Butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it soften at room temperature before using.

Variations on a Theme: Other Delicious Cowboy Creations

If you’re a fan of that signature Cowboy Butter flavor, you’re in luck! There are tons of ways to incorporate it into other dishes. Have you tried Cowboy Butter Chicken? It’s fantastic served with rice or roasted vegetables. Or for a twist, try Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, using a different pasta shape to keep things interesting. It is such a quick simple easy dinner idea!

Craving something warm and comforting? Look no further than Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup. This soup is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening. If you love noodles, you absolutely must try Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles; they’re irresistible!

For another easy noodle dish, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles. Simple, flavorful and ready in minutes! And finally, for a one-pot wonder, give Cowboy Spaghetti a try. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a crowd.

Making it a Quick Simple Easy Dinner Idea

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a quick simple easy dinner idea. This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fits the bill perfectly. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. You can even prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save even more time. Chop the vegetables, make the Cowboy Butter, and cut the chicken into pieces. Then, when you’re ready to cook, everything will be ready to go.

Cowboy Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Twist

Cowboy Chicken Pasta is quickly becoming a favorite for those looking for something beyond the ordinary. The blend of savory spices and creamy butter sauce offers a distinct flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a fantastic example of how to elevate a simple chicken pasta dish into something truly special. The ease of preparation combined with the rich flavors makes it a winning choice for any night of the week. Experimenting with different pasta shapes can also add a fun twist to this dish. Consider using penne, rotini, or even farfalle for a different textural experience.

The Takeaway

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy, my friend!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a flavorful and satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine are coated in a creamy, herby, and slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 700 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium bowl
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• While the water is heating, prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
• Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the cooked chicken.
• Add the Cowboy Butter to the skillet with the pasta and chicken. Toss everything together until the butter is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; cook until just cooked through. Use softened butter for a smooth sauce. Reserve pasta water for a creamy consistency. Adjust the spice level to your preference. Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. The Cowboy Butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Soften before using.