Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Prepare to lasso yourself a plate of pure comfort food heaven! This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, savory cowboy butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked linguine. Sounds irresistible, right?

While the exact origins of “cowboy butter” are debated, its spirit is undeniably rooted in the resourceful and hearty cooking of the American West. Think chuckwagon cooking, where simple ingredients were transformed into satisfying meals to fuel long days on the range. This dish takes that same spirit and elevates it with the elegance of Italian pasta.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so beloved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The creamy, herb-infused butter sauce clings beautifully to the linguine, while the chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. The slight kick of spice from the chili flakes adds a delightful warmth that balances the richness of the butter. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner that feels like a weekend treat. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• For the Cowboy Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Linguine:
• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparing the Cowboy Butter:

This is where the magic happens! The cowboy butter is the star of the show, so let’s make sure it’s packed with flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and thyme leaves. Make sure your butter is truly softened – it will make mixing everything together much easier.
2. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang, and the lemon juice brightens everything up. Don’t be shy with the spices!
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! So start with a little and adjust as needed.
4. Using a fork or a rubber spatula, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You want everything to be evenly distributed throughout the butter.
5. Taste the butter and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more salt? A little more heat? Now’s the time to perfect it!
6. Once you’re happy with the flavor, you can either use the cowboy butter immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use. If refrigerating, let it soften slightly before using. You can also roll it into a log using parchment paper and slice off rounds as needed.

Preparing the Chicken:

Now, let’s get the chicken ready. We want it to be flavorful and tender, so a good seasoning is key.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The olive oil will help the spices adhere to the chicken and keep it moist during cooking.
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, start with a little and adjust as needed.
3. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the spices. You want every piece to be nicely seasoned.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Cooking the Chicken:

Time to cook the chicken! We want it to be cooked through but still juicy.

1. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, so it sears nicely.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Linguine:

While the chicken is resting, let’s cook the linguine. Al dente is the way to go!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the linguine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite.
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Assembling the Dish:

Now for the best part – putting everything together!

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened and fragrant. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor.
3. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add about half of the cowboy butter to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Start with half and add more to taste.
5. If desired, add the heavy cream to the skillet and toss to combine. The heavy cream will make the sauce extra rich and creamy. This step is optional, but highly recommended!
6. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
7. Add a little of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, if needed, to create a creamy sauce. The pasta water helps to bind everything together.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serving:

Time to enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Enjoy! This dish is best served hot and fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cowboy butter for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use different pasta: Feel free to substitute linguine with your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Make it ahead: The cowboy butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, the creamy, spicy, and savory sauce combined with perfectly cooked linguine and tender chicken is a culinary experience you absolutely need in your life. I know, I know, I’m gushing, but trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick the plate clean (and maybe you will!).

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the balance. The richness of the butter is cut through by the zesty lemon juice and the kick of the red pepper flakes. The herbs add a fresh, vibrant note, and the garlic… well, garlic just makes everything better, doesn’t it? And let’s not forget the chicken, which soaks up all that delicious flavor, becoming incredibly juicy and tender. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this recipe. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner with the family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because who doesn’t love options? For a complete meal, I love serving this with a simple side salad – something with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! If you’re a fan of heat, add an extra pinch or two of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* Go green! Toss in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and a pop of color.
* Seafood sensation! Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood twist.
* Vegetarian delight! Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
* Cheese, please! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano adds a salty, savory finish.
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I poured my heart into creating it, and I truly believe it’s something special. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

But most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did you love it as much as I do? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! I hope this becomes a staple in your recipe rotation, bringing joy and flavor to your table for years to come. Let me know what you think!

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