Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Sizzling Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Crafting a mouthwatering cowboy butter chicken linguine sparks culinary adventure in your kitchen.

Unexpected ingredients dance together, creating a bold fusion of flavors.

Ranch-inspired seasoning adds a wild twist to classic pasta dishes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among silky linguine strands, promising delightful textures.

Creamy butter sauce coats each strand with rich, comforting goodness.

Southwestern spices bring a zesty kick that surprises and delights.

Your dinner table awaits this irresistible masterpiece that combines rustic charm with gourmet flair.

Why Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Is Full of Bold Flavor

  • Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken for an explosion of mouthwatering taste in every bite.
  • Loaded with creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both family and guests.
  • Adaptable for different occasions from casual dinners to impromptu gatherings, this dish works equally well as a weeknight meal or weekend treat.

What Goes Into Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Main Ingredients:
  • Linguine Pasta: Classic Italian pasta perfect for creamy sauces.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance to the dish.
  • Butter: Rich base for creating a luxurious sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and velvety sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential base seasonings for enhancing flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warm and spicy undertones.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Tangy ingredient that adds complexity to sauce.
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preventing sticking.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that balances richness.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and color contrast.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Cook the linguine until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package guidelines.

Carefully scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.

Set the pasta aside and keep the reserved water nearby.

Step 2: Season and Sizzle the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with a spicy blend of seasonings.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side.

Let the chicken rest for a moment, then slice into tender bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Craft the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt butter.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Splash in Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Allow the sauce to simmer and develop its flavors.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Cheese Blend

Pour in heavy cream and stir thoroughly.

Let the sauce simmer and slightly thicken.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Bring the Dish Together

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet.

Add the drained linguine and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Let the pasta cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Remove the skillet from heat.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an additional cheesy touch.

Tips for Creamy and Spicy Linguine Success

  • Save that starchy liquid gold when draining pasta – it helps create silky, clingy sauces and can rescue a sauce that's too thick.
  • Pat chicken dry before adding spices to ensure maximum flavor absorption and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Lower the heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture throughout cooking.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh and add it gradually while stirring constantly to ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness when slicing.

Best Way to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of chicken broth or cream. Stir gently to prevent pasta from sticking and maintain sauce consistency. Cook until heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken Linguine

  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this creamy, zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cut through the richness and complement the dish's tangy notes.
  • Refresh with Greens: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's decadent sauce and add a peppery, fresh contrast.
  • Elevate with Bread: Include crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce, providing a perfect textural companion and extra flavor absorption.
  • Complement with Sides: Add roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini with herbs to introduce a vegetable element that enhances the meal's overall nutrition and provides a bright, clean counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Variations to Try

Protein Swap Variations:
  • Shrimp Cowboy Butter Linguine: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp, cooking quickly until pink and curled for a seafood-inspired version.
  • Turkey Cowboy Butter Linguine: Use ground turkey or sliced turkey breast for a leaner protein option with the same bold flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Cowboy Butter Linguine: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy roasted cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.
Dietary Adaptations:
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.

FAQs

  • What makes cowboy butter different from regular butter sauce?

Cowboy butter is a zesty, flavor-packed sauce featuring bold ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. It adds a spicy and tangy kick that traditional butter sauces lack.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works great, you can substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente to maintain the right texture.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can be prepared ahead of time. Store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta, and reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating. The dish stays delicious for 2-3 days when refrigerated properly.

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cowboy butter chicken linguine brings rustic ranch-style flair to classic Italian pasta, blending bold southwestern spices with creamy chicken. Rich, zesty flavors combine in this hearty dish that delivers comfort and excitement with each savory bite you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted large pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge linguine and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta completely.
  2. Generously season chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, smoky paprika, black pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes. Sear proteins in a sizzling skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Allow meat to rest briefly, then slice into delectable bite-sized morsels.
  3. Reduce skillet temperature to medium and introduce butter, allowing it to melt luxuriously. Introduce minced garlic and toast until aromatic, roughly 30 seconds. Deglaze pan by incorporating Dijon mustard, bright lemon juice, and savory chicken broth, meticulously scraping accumulated browned fragments from cooking surface.
  4. Stream heavy cream into the developing sauce, stirring consistently. Permit liquid to simmer and slightly concentrate for 2-3 minutes. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan, whisking until smoothly integrated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
  5. Reunite sliced chicken with the velvety sauce, then gently fold in drained linguine. Ensure each pasta strand receives thorough sauce coverage. Allow ingredients to harmonize for an additional 1-2 minutes over gentle heat.
  6. Immediately transfer to serving dishes, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and offer additional Parmesan for enthusiastic diners to customize their plate.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those craving bold flavors.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Enhance protein flexibility by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Prevent sauce separation by adding cheese gradually and stirring consistently during the melting process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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