Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is exactly what you need. Tender chicken pieces, coated in a smoky, buttery sauce, are paired with perfectly cooked linguine pasta and garnished with fresh lemon and parsley. This dish is everything you love about creamy pasta, with a little extra kick and a lot of personality. Let’s dive into this savory, mouth-watering recipe!

Why Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is So Irresistible

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so irresistible is the combination of juicy chicken, a rich and buttery sauce, and the zesty finish of lemon. The paprika and garlic salt give the chicken a savory depth, while the cowboy butter brings in that signature creamy, herby flavor that coats the pasta perfectly. The crushed red pepper adds just the right amount of heat, making each bite a satisfying experience. It’s a dish that’s comforting yet bold, making it the perfect addition to your dinner rotation.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Ingredients:

• Pasta:
  • 8 ounces linguine
• Chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Sauce:
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Here’s how to make this flavor-packed dish:

1. Cook the Linguine
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden.
3. Add Cowboy Butter and Finish Cooking
   Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, covering it to keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce
   Lower the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
   Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the lemon juice for that zesty finish.
6. Serve and Garnish
   Garnish the dish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving. The fresh lemon slices add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To make this dish truly stand out, here’s what you need:

• Cowboy Butter: The star of the sauce, adding richness, flavor, and a little bit of spice to the dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, offering tender pieces of meat that cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
• Paprika and Garlic Salt: These seasonings give the chicken a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Linguine: The long, slender noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the rich, velvety texture in the sauce.
• Lemon Juice and Slices: Brightens up the dish with a zesty, refreshing burst of flavor.
• Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Exploring Variations for Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish is already packed with flavor, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For a bit more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of linguine, swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne for a different pasta experience.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Every Time

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F.
• Scrape up the browned bits: The bits left in the pan after cooking the chicken add tons of flavor to the sauce, so make sure to scrape them up while making the sauce.
• Balance the heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance.
• Add fresh herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, you can stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil right before serving.

The Joy of One-Pan Cooking

One of the best things about this dish is that it’s all made in one pan. The chicken, pasta, and sauce come together seamlessly, with minimal mess and quick cleanup afterward. This makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine the perfect choice for busy nights when you want something comforting but easy to prepare.

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 761 kcal
• Fat: 47g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 38g
• Sugar: 3g

For a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat cream, and reduce the amount of butter used. You can also use a gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storing and Freezing Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freezing this dish is not recommended because the sauce may separate when reheated, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with something crunchy, so don’t forget the bread to soak up every last bit of sauce!

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Meat thermometer (for checking chicken temperature)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan on low heat to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine
• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons cowboy butter
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Season and cook chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
3. Make the sauce with butter, cream, and seasonings.
4. Toss chicken and pasta in the sauce.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.

Key Takeaways

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a buttery, spiced sauce. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. With a few simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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