Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and cozy pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe packs a punch with spices and herbs. The creamy cowboy butter sauce coats every noodle, making this dish irresistible!
Why make this recipe
You should make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine because it is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious! With simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that impresses everyone. The harmony of garlic and herbs in the buttery sauce makes every bite scrumptious. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy pasta and chicken together in a new and tasty way!
How to prepare 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
Steps:
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest. Slice it into strips.
Cook the Pasta:
In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a few minutes to mix the flavors.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy!
How to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This dish is best served warm, fresh from the skillet. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine would nicely complement the flavors, too!
How to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
Tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine perfectly
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite.
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat preference!
Variations
- You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or use a plant-based protein for a different twist.
FAQ
1. Can I use different pasta for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to thaw it completely before cooking.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Enjoy making your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and delight in the wonderful buttery goodness!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A fun and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and a rich butter sauce tossed with linguine pasta.
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
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it rest, then slice into strips.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American