Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken and linguine pasta coated in a rich and creamy sauce with a hint of spice, all thanks to the delicious addition of cowboy butter. This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a satisfying and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of cowboy butter, heavy cream, and spices creates a delicious and creamy sauce that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by using your favorite type of pasta or adding different vegetables for a complete meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Linguine: A long, flat pasta that’s perfect for this dish. You can substitute with your favorite type of pasta.

Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used to cook the chicken.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken with garlic and salt.
• Kosher salt: Adds additional salt for seasoning.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.

Sauce

• Cowboy butter: A flavorful compound butter made with butter, herbs, and spices. You can find cowboy butter at some grocery stores or make your own.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
• Garlic salt: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat (adjust to your preference).
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
• Lemon slices: Used as a garnish.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown. Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until browned on the other side and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes more. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken breasts.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Make your own cowboy butter: If you can’t find cowboy butter at the store, you can easily make your own by combining softened butter with your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and parsley.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or frozen peas.

How to Serve

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.

3. Can I make this recipe without the cowboy butter?

Yes, you can! You can substitute the cowboy butter with regular butter and add your favorite herbs and spices to the sauce.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and one-pan convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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