Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – A Bold & Creamy Pasta Dish
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious pasta dish that brings together bold flavors and a creamy texture for a meal that’s satisfying and comforting. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich sauce, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love pasta and crave something with a bit of excitement, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is for you! It’s quick and simple to prepare, and it brings a wonderful combination of flavors to the table. The creamy butter sauce, enhanced with garlic and spices, elevates the chicken and pasta, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ✅ ½ cup unsalted butter (for a rich, creamy base)
- ✅ 4 garlic cloves, minced (adds bold flavor)
- ✅ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
- ✅ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (balances the richness)
- ✅ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ✅ 1 teaspoon paprika (adds warmth and depth)
- ✅ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness)
- ✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- ✅ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced thinly)
- ✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- ✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ✅ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ✅ 12 ounces linguine pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- ✅ 1 cup heavy cream (for a velvety, creamy sauce)
- ✅ ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for extra richness)
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine
3. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
4. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add Lemon Juice & Heavy Cream: Pour in lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring continuously.
7. Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
8. Toss the Pasta: Add cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. You can pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- If you like spice, don’t skip the red pepper flakes!
- For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers in the sauce.
Variation
Feel free to switch the protein! You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different twist. You could also swap linguine for another type of pasta, like fettuccine or penne.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.Can I make this meal ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine dish with family and friends!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter for a rich, creamy base
- 4 cloves garlic, minced adds bold flavor
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice balances the richness
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon paprika adds warmth and depth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for freshness
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Chicken & Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the chicken
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 ounces linguine pasta cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup heavy cream for a velvety, creamy sauce
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for extra richness
Instructions
Preparation
- Season sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combining Everything
- Add cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
