If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold, buttery flavors with tender chicken and comforting pasta, then the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat, all tossed with al dente linguine and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that feels both hearty and indulgent, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is essential, combining to create an unbeatable blend of flavors and textures that make this dish so special. From the smoky spices that season the chicken to the richness of unsalted butter and the brightness of lemon juice, every component plays a key role.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: Provides the perfect silky, long strands that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity aroma and helps crisp the chicken.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that defines the cowboy butter flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic note to complement the fresh garlic later on.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter: The star ingredient that makes this sauce rich and creamy without overpowering.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a vibrant, fragrant punch.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just the right amount of heat, perfect for a subtle spice.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy complexity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with refreshing citrus notes.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Freshens everything with a pop of green and mild herbaceous flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty creaminess that rounds out the dish.
- Optional extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish: Perfect for that finishing touch to impress at the table.
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. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente – usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later and helping it cling beautifully to the noodles.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let the pieces cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a nice golden crust, then stir and cook for a total of 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside – this step locks in flavor and sets the stage for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. When it melts and starts to bubble, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then whisk in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. This combination gives the sauce its signature tangy, buttery kick that defines the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce. This step ensures every bite of chicken is bursting with flavor, thanks to the silky sauce clinging to each piece.
Step 5: Toss with Linguine and Finish
Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it until silky and smooth. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, folding them in to distribute the saltiness and fresh herb burst evenly throughout the dish.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, scatter a few extra sprigs of fresh parsley and a generous shaving or sprinkle of Parmesan over each serving. This adds color, texture, and an aromatic finishing touch that instantly signals this is a special meal.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also excellent for soaking up every last bit of that irresistible cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, serve the linguine piled high on a large platter with the chicken and sauce artfully arranged on top. Alternatively, twirl portions of the pasta onto plates using tongs, forming elegant nests that look restaurant-worthy. You could even serve in warm bowls sprinkled with extra Parmesan and parsley to keep things cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce slightly separate or tossing the pasta with a tiny bit of olive oil can prevent sticking and maintain texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes okay, but the texture of the pasta may soften after thawing. If you want to freeze, separate the chicken and cowboy butter sauce from the pasta first. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Then toss in the linguine and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta besides linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully due to its slender shape and smooth texture, you can swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking time to your pasta’s package directions.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
The heat is subtle from the crushed red pepper flakes, giving a gentle warmth without overwhelming the flavors. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more flakes for extra kick or omitting them for mildness.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan flavor. The dish will still be rich and flavorful with these swaps.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe holds up well when prepared in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just keep pasta and sauce separate when storing for best texture.
Any tips for juicy and tender chicken?
Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken on medium-high heat without moving too much to get a nice golden crust before turning. This keeps it flavorful and juicy.
Final Thoughts
There really is something so comforting about a plate of creamy, flavorful pasta mixed with tender chicken and that incredible cowboy butter sauce. The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover how this perfect combo will quickly become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy American-style pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in a rich buttery sauce, infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Tossed with linguine and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spice and comfort for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, coating evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat all pieces in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss the ingredients together to combine thoroughly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure it evenly coats the pasta.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until incorporated. Serve the linguine hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
- You can swap chicken for shrimp or steak for a different variation.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
