Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Creamy, Flavorful Twist on Pasta Night
Are you ready to spice up your pasta night? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is here to make your dinner delicious and satisfying. This creamy dish combines tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and a rich, buttery sauce that sets it apart from your usual pasta recipes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring the flavors of the Wild West to your dinner table!
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to enjoy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Firstly, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal. The creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken and linguine will please the whole family. Additionally, it offers a delightful balance of flavors, thanks to the cowboy butter and spices. If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels special, this dish is the one for you!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the linguine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, fresh from the skillet. You can plate it with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an appealing presentation. This pasta dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store any leftovers, place the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken in spices and a little lemon juice before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Variation
You can switch up the pasta type if you like! Fettuccine or spaghetti can work just as well in this recipe. Additionally, feel free to add in some veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and color.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. Is cowboy butter hard to find?
Cowboy butter is a compound butter that you can find in some stores, but you can also make your own by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, and spices.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine everything just before serving. This will save you time on busy days!
Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! It’s a comforting, creamy, and playful twist on your typical pasta night!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces linguine pasta Can substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces For variations, can substitute with shrimp or tofu
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup cowboy butter, divided (4 tablespoons) A compound butter, can be made from softened butter mixed with garlic, herbs, and spices
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt Add to the sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Increase for more spiciness
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- to taste lemon slices For garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the linguine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering to keep warm.
Preparing Sauce
- Lower the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice.
Serving
- Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
