Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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.
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.