Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Prepare to lasso your taste buds with this irresistible fusion of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors! Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, herb-infused cowboy butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked linguine. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While “cowboy butter” itself is a relatively modern culinary creation, drawing inspiration from the American West’s love of bold flavors and hearty meals, pasta dishes have a long and storied history, particularly in Italian cuisine. Combining these two worlds creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so universally loved? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes. The creamy butter sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes, clings beautifully to the linguine. The chicken provides a satisfying protein element, and the slight kick of spice keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• For the Cowboy Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Linguine:
• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Cowboy Butter

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the Cowboy Butter! This stuff is seriously addictive, and you’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me on this one.

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. We want it nice and golden, not brown and bitter.
2. Add the Garlic and Herbs: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that will make it bitter. The aroma should be heavenly at this point!
3. Stir in the Spices and Sauces: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Add the Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice: Now, stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the richness of the butter.
5. Season to Taste: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Give it a good stir and set aside. You can keep this warm over very low heat or let it cool slightly.

Preparing the Chicken

Next up, let’s get the chicken ready. We want it to be flavorful and tender, so a little seasoning goes a long way.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Cooking the Linguine and Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, let’s get the linguine going and sauté some veggies. This is where the dish really starts to come together.

1. Cook the Linguine: Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. We’ll use this to help create a creamy sauce.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Bell Pepper: While the pasta is cooking, in the same skillet you used for the chicken (wipe it clean first if needed), add the sliced mushrooms and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.

Assembling the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create this masterpiece.

1. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, cooked linguine, and the Cowboy Butter to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and bell pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the Cowboy Butter.
2. Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
4. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch and add more as needed.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage.
• Pasta: If you don’t have linguine, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other long pasta.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Cowboy Butter and the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the pasta and vegetables when you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine as much as I do! It’s a flavorful, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The creamy, spicy, and savory cowboy butter sauce, perfectly coating tender chicken and al dente linguine, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. What more could you ask for? Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously delicious, incredibly easy to make, and offers a unique twist on classic comfort food. The combination of the rich butter, fragrant herbs, zesty spices, and tangy lemon juice creates a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. Plus, the chicken stays incredibly juicy and flavorful, thanks to being cooked directly in that amazing cowboy butter. Serving Suggestions and Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative! This dish is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. A crusty baguette for soaking up all that delicious sauce is also highly recommended! Looking for variations? You’ve got options! * Spice it up: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. * Go vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. * Add some greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color. * Change the pasta: While linguine is my personal favorite, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. * Make it creamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end. * Add some cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano is always a welcome addition. I’m so excited for you to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! It’s a recipe that I’ve perfected over time, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your own preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the name; it’s much easier to make than it sounds. I’ve provided clear and concise instructions to guide you through the process, and I’m here to answer any questions you may have. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #CowboyButterChickenLinguine or tag me in your posts. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Print