Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a pasta dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with linguine pasta. It is known for its creamy texture and bold flavors, including hints of smoky paprika, red pepper flakes, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The addition of lemon juice provides a zesty finish, making it both hearty and refreshing. The dish is simple to prepare yet tastes like something you’d find at a gourmet restaurant.

The total time for preparing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is around 30 to 40 minutes. The chicken takes about 12 to 14 minutes to cook, while the linguine needs approximately 10 minutes to boil. The rest of the time is spent creating the sauce and tossing everything together, ensuring the chicken and pasta are coated in the delicious garlic butter sauce.

The recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine never fails to impress. It brings together the perfect mix of savory, creamy, and spicy notes that enhance the chicken and pasta. The garlic butter sauce, enriched with smoked paprika and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, makes every bite a burst of flavor. The freshness of parsley and the creamy texture of Parmesan cheese balance out the richness, ensuring the dish is both indulgent and satisfying. The addition of lemon juice adds the ideal touch of tang, making the meal light yet hearty.

Why You’ll Love It Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Flavor-packed: The creamy, buttery sauce brings bold flavors to the chicken and linguine. This dish combines garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules. You can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer more heat or a milder flavor, this dish allows for easy adjustments. Add extra spices or vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredient Notes for a Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein in the dish, chicken breasts are juicy and tender. Use boneless, skinless breasts for easy cooking and quick preparation.
• Linguine: A type of pasta that’s long and flat. It pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery sauce in this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken. It adds a subtle, fruity flavor and helps to keep the chicken tender.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, warm taste to the dish. Garlic powder blends easily into the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust them to taste.
• Unsalted Butter: The key to the “butter” in Cowboy Butter Chicken. It melts into the sauce to create a rich, creamy texture.
• Garlic, Minced: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor and aromatic richness to the sauce. Mince it finely to make sure it mixes well.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing citrus kick to balance the rich butter and savory chicken.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the butter sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: A smoky and slightly sweet spice. It gives the dish a nice depth of flavor and a little color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food.
• Chicken Broth: Used to make the sauce flavorful and a bit more liquidy. It helps to bring everything together.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving.
• Parmesan Cheese: A grated topping that adds a nutty, salty flavor. It enhances the creamy sauce and pairs well with the linguine.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

When preparing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, focus on balancing the flavors. This dish blends the rich, creamy butter sauce with the savory chicken and pasta. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding a bit more garlic or spice if desired for extra depth.

To make it even better, try using fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These simple additions bring a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to add your personal flair to the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

For a healthier twist, swap the linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. This simple substitution can offer a lighter version while keeping the dish delicious. It’s an easy way to customize the recipe for dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the linguine with any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. However, linguine holds the sauce well, making it a great choice for this dish.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?
This dish is not overly spicy, but it has a mild heat from ingredients like red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less, based on your preference.

How can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine healthier?
To make this dish healthier, try using whole-wheat pasta and reducing the amount of butter. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra butter or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a pasta dish featuringchicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with linguinepasta. It is known for its creamy texture and bold flavors, including hints ofsmoky paprika, red pepper flakes, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The addition oflemon juice provides a zesty finish, making it both hearty and refreshing. Thedish is simple to prepare yet tastes like something you’d find at a gourmetrestaurant.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Linguine:

• 2 large chicken breasts sliced thin
• 8 oz linguine or pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet or Pan
• Tongs
• Wooden Spoon
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Colander

Method

 

1. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish it off: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

The key to making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine amazing is in the butter sauce. Don’t rush it! Let the garlic sauté until fragrant, and let the sauce simmer a bit to thicken. You want a rich, creamy texture that coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.