Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, 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 aside.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in the fresh herbs.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the sliced chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and heated through.

Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for color.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, you can add a little chicken broth or butter to bring back its creamy consistency.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh adds a bright taste.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

variation

If you want to switch it up, you can add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to the dish. These can be added in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

1. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp can be a great substitute! Cook them until pink and opaque, similar to how you would cook the chicken.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that the chicken broth is gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative for garnish.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, a rich butter sauce, and linguine pasta, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.
2. Once melted, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in the fresh herbs.

Combining Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the sliced chicken.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and heated through.

Serving

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for color.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs. You can make it creamier by adding heavy cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.