Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Welcome to a flavor-packed culinary adventure with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente linguine, and a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce that will transport your taste buds to the wild west of savory goodness. The aromatic herbs and spices in the cowboy butter create a symphony of flavors that take this dish from a simple dinner to a gourmet experience, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

I stumbled upon this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe during a time crunch when unexpected guests dropped by, and it was an instant hit! The marriage of succulent chicken with the delectable cowboy butter sauce was so well-received that it quickly secured a permanent spot in my family’s favorite meals roster. A true testament to its deliciousness is how my son, who isn’t usually keen on chicken pasta, now eagerly asks for seconds whenever this dish is on the menu.

To make things even better, you can get ahead of the game by prepping components like the cowboy butter and chicken in advance, making the final cooking process a breeze. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treating your loved ones to a culinary delight, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a must-try recipe that promises to elevate your dining experience to a whole new level of savory satisfaction.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates weeknight dinner to something truly special with rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce
• Cowboy butter transforms ordinary ingredients into a truly craveable dish
• Components can be prepared ahead of time for a quick 15-minute meal prep
• Versatile – linguine can be substituted with spaghetti or other pasta shapes, and garnishes can be personalized

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The cowboy butter adds layers of savory and zesty flavors to the tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a truly unforgettable dish.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this dish – the combination of herbs, butter, and lemon transforms ordinary ingredients into something craveable that will have your family asking for seconds.
• Make-ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance to streamline cooking – cowboy butter can be made up to a week ahead, and the chicken can be cut and stored in the fridge a day before cooking, making mealtime a breeze.
• Versatile Dish: While linguine works perfectly, you can easily swap it for your favorite pasta shape like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne, customizing the dish to your preference.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread to complement the rich pasta, and enjoy with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creaminess of the dish with their bright acidity.
• Leftover Tips: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce and ensure the chicken stays tender. Avoid microwave reheating for the best results.
• Cooking Tips: Cook the chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat to ensure it browns nicely without overcooking, keeping it juicy. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or chives, or try grated parmesan cheese for a delicious twist.

Ingredients for Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Pasta

• 8 ounces linguine

Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

Sauce

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• lemon slices, for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
• ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream

Pro Tips for Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To save time, prepare the cowboy butter and cut the chicken in advance. The cowboy butter can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Cutting the chicken a day before can help streamline the cooking process, making this dish come together in about 15 minutes when you’re ready to cook.

Pro Tip 2: For the best texture, cook the chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat. This helps the chicken to brown nicely without overcrowding the pan, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. Remember to flip the chicken only once it has achieved a nice sear to lock in the juices.

Pro Tip 3: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to revive its consistency. Gently warm the dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the dish’s delicious texture and flavors.

How to Make Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Step 1: Cook Linguine

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and season with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.

Step 3: Brown Chicken with Butter

Place 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter in the skillet. Cook chicken pieces until browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Remove Chicken

Take the chicken out of the pan and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to retain warmth.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce

Lower heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir until butter is melted, scraping up browned bits in the pan with a spatula.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Combine the cooked linguine and chicken in the skillet, tossing to evenly coat with the sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Lemon

Combine lemon juice with the dish, then garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the delicious cowboy butter chicken linguine, store any leftovers promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, as it may have thickened in the fridge. It’s best to avoid microwaving the leftovers, as this can make the chicken tough.

To prepare components ahead of time for a quicker meal, you can make the cowboy butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cut the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to a day before cooking. By having these components ready, you can easily assemble and cook the dish in about 15 minutes when you’re ready to serve. This dish is versatile and pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, along with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have linguine on hand, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini, depending on your preference or what you have available in your pantry.

If you want to change up the garnish, fresh basil, chives, or grated parmesan cheese can be excellent alternatives to parsley, adding a different flavor profile and visual appeal to the dish.

When cooking the chicken, make sure to cook it in a single layer over medium-high heat, flipping only once it has browned. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the cowboy butter chicken linguine in individual pasta bowls garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color and added flavor. The aromatic herbs will complement the zesty cowboy butter sauce beautifully and elevate the presentation of this dish for a more restaurant-like experience.

Another fun way to serve this dish is to create a DIY pasta bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of cowboy butter chicken linguine, assorted garnishes like lemon slices, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes, and let your guests customize their pasta bowls to their liking. Pair this interactive dining experience with a rustic bread basket filled with warm garlic bread slices for dipping into the creamy sauce, creating a cozy and communal atmosphere perfect for sharing good food and good company.

FAQs for Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini, depending on your preference.

How should I cook the chicken to ensure it stays juicy?

Cook the chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat, flipping only once it has browned. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

What can I use as an alternative garnish to parsley?

Fresh basil, chives, or even grated parmesan cheese can be great alternatives to parsley for garnish.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine as much as I have! The blend of herbs and spices in the cowboy butter truly elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a recipe that impresses both unexpected guests and family members alike, making it perfect for special occasions or busy weeknights.

Remember, don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by trying different pasta shapes or adding your favorite herbs and cheeses. The beauty of cooking is in the creativity and joy it brings, and this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a wonderful canvas for your culinary artistry. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this delightful pasta creation. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!