If you are longing for a dish that combines bold flavors, comforting textures, and a little bit of spice, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is your new go-to meal. This recipe masterfully blends tender, seasoned chicken strips with a rich, garlicky butter sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of linguine. Bright notes of lemon and a mix of fresh herbs elevate the sauce, making each bite an irresistible experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this dish offers a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that feels both indulgent and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple but thoughtfully curated list of ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s the spices that add warmth, the butter that brings luxe creaminess, or the fresh herbs that give it a garden-fresh finish.
- 12 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the luscious sauce while having a delicate texture to complement the chicken.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Lean and tender protein that absorbs all the tasty spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a rich red color to your chicken seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A hint of heat that gives the dish a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor for an extra savory punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a slight peppery bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken tenderly while adding fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): The heart of cowboy butter, creating that rich, silky sauce you’ll want to dive into.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fragrant and pungent, giving the sauce an extra layer of flavor.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens and lifts the dish with refreshing citrus notes.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the butter sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For just a touch more warmth and personality.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped): Adds color and mild oniony flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Earthy and slightly minty, complementing the spices and butter beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty richness and a creamy texture.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by cooking your linguine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right chew to hold onto the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside to be added back to the skillet later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and toss the chicken strips until they’re fully coated with this vibrant spice blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and thoroughly cooked. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the melted butter, then add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, and the ingredients are well combined. This step builds the foundation of the signature cowboy butter flavor that’s both zesty and buttery.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the delicious sauce. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley, chives, thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. The fresh herbs and cheese melt into the sauce, creating an irresistible harmony of tastes and textures.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation and an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional fresh parsley, chives, and Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. These garnishes add freshness, color, and a hint of savory richness that makes the dish pop on your plate.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pasta shines best paired with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that buttery sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in shallow bowls, twirling the pasta into neat nests for a restaurant-style touch. Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions, boosting that citrus brightness with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more deliciously after a day, making for an easy and quick next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pasta, but for best results, separate the chicken and sauce from the pasta before freezing. Place the sauce and chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps the pasta moist and prevents it from sticking while warming the chicken evenly through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully for this dish, you can substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just keep in mind that wider noodles like fettuccine will hold the sauce differently, adding a slightly varied texture.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to a touch of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. If you prefer more or less spice, simply adjust those amounts to suit your taste preferences without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe creamy?
Yes! For a creamier twist, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the cowboy butter sauce after it has cooked for a minute. This transforms the dish into an even richer, luscious delight that’s perfect on chilly nights.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The components reheat well and taste great the next day. Just be careful with the sauce consistency when reheating, as pasta can absorb the sauce and dry out a bit—adding a splash of liquid while warming helps maintain its creamy texture.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the rich butter sauce and the mildly spiced chicken beautifully. Both wines bring out the citrus and herbaceous notes, elevating your dining experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that delivers on flavor, comfort, and a bit of cowboy spirit, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is ready to become a family favorite. Its combination of bold spices, fresh herbs, and creamy butter sauce makes it a truly memorable meal worth cooking again and again. Don’t wait to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with a spicy, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, tossed with perfectly al dente linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese. This dish combines a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce with simple but vibrant ingredients for a satisfying main course perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Herbs and Cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated for a well-seasoned flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring until the sauce is fragrant and well combined.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Add herbs and cheese: Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese until the herbs are distributed and the cheese slightly melts into the warm pasta.
- Serve: Plate warm and garnish with additional fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add 1/2 cup heavy cream when combining the butter sauce ingredients.
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti depending on your preference.
- This dish pairs deliciously with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
