Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines the heartiness of Italian pasta and the comforting flavors of hearty butter sauce, creating a luscious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll find this recipe simple yet rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or special gatherings. With a melting pot of ingredients melded together, each bite is sure to delight your taste buds.
Why We Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
There’s something special about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that sets it apart. The creamy butter sauce envelops tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, resulting in a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also brings together classic ingredients in a way that makes an otherwise simple weeknight meal feel extraordinary. The addition of herbs like parsley and chives adds freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is destined to become a favorite!
Ingredients about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- 1 lb (450g) linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in the linguine pasta and follow the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Next, take a sizable skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet. Leave it undisturbed for a few minutes to ensure a proper sear. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked entirely through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it aside on a plate.
Lower the heat on your skillet to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then pour in the heavy cream, followed by the unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Stir these ingredients together and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, which will take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter has completely melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to evenly coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Then, carefully add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the rich, buttery sauce. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley, chives, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure these ingredients are mixed well, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately. For that extra touch, top each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese, along with a sprinkle of additional parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy every mouthful of this delectable dish!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an experience in itself. You can present it straight from the skillet, allowing everyone to help themselves, or plate individual servings for a more refined touch. Ensure that each plate gets an ample amount of chicken and the luscious sauce for a satisfying experience. Consider accompanying this comforting meal with a side salad for a crunch factor, or some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. If you want to keep it simple, serve it with a sprinkle of extra herbs on top for a fresh visual appeal.
Expert Tips: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
For the best results, remember these expert tips while making your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. First, ensure the chicken pieces are of equal size for even cooking. You can pound the chicken breasts slightly to achieve uniformity, which helps them cook through without drying out. Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to avoid sticking; this will make cleaning much easier.
Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. The cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes add heat, so feel free to reduce the amounts if you prefer a milder dish. On the flip side, if you love a good kick, don’t hesitate to add more!
Using freshly chopped herbs will greatly enhance the overall flavor of the dish, making it feel more vibrant. Lastly, remember to reserve some of the pasta cooking water; a little splash of this can be added to the sauce if it thickens too much before serving.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine anyone would!), storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is simple. Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain the freshness and quality of the ingredients. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for 2-3 days.
To reheat, simply place it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. Stir it gently and heat until it’s warmed thoroughly. You can also use a microwave to reheat individual portions, ensuring they’re covered to prevent drying out.
Variation of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is incredibly versatile. You can add in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for additional color and nutrients. Simply sauté them in the skillet after removing the chicken and before adding the sauce ingredients.
For a twist on proteins, try using shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version. These substitutions can complement the sauce beautifully. If you’re looking to elevate the dish further, consider using different pasta types. Fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta provide various textures, all of which will work well with the creamy sauce.
You can also experiment with additional cheeses. Mixing in some mozzarella or goat cheese can bring new flavors that beautifully mesh with the existing ingredients. Lastly, for a nutty finish, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top when serving.
FAQ
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious pasta dish made with boneless chicken, a creamy butter sauce, and linguine pasta. It combines rich flavors from butter, Dijon mustard, and spices, creating a comforting meal.
How long does it take to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
The entire process, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance! Just follow the storing guidelines; it keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
You can serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is recommended, you can use any pasta type you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne, without compromising the overall flavor.
What if I want more heat in my Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
If you like your dishes spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes as desired. You can also experiment with hot sauce for an extra kick!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauce and Combining
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and butter melts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the drained linguine and toss until pasta is well coated.
- Fold in the chopped parsley, chives, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving
- Serve immediately, topping with remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional parsley or chives if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!