If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, rich flavors with the perfect amount of spice, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your go-to meal. Packed with tender chicken bites, a luscious buttery sauce, and a zesty kick from lemon and crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With easy-to-follow steps, it’s the ideal recipe for busy nights or a special dinner for guests.
In this article, we’ll break down the simple yet delicious components of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and provide tips on how to make the most of this dish. You’ll find detailed instructions, nutritional information, and additional tips to customize this recipe to your liking. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Before we get started on cooking, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe serves four, and you’ll need the following:
Pasta Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of linguine
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Once you have these ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt will enhance the flavor of the linguine and help it cook evenly. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes for al dente.
Remember to stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a small amount of pasta water—this will come in handy later if you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and season them with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. These spices will give the chicken a flavorful coating that complements the rich buttery sauce.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer it should reach 165°F (74°C). After the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. The residual flavors from the chicken will add depth to your sauce, creating a savory base for the dish.
After the butter has melted, add the heavy cream and mix in the garlic salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients will give the sauce its creamy, slightly spicy, and tangy flavor.
Allow the sauce to simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Stir the mixture regularly to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan or burn.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Once the chicken is well-coated, add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick or you want a smoother texture, you can add more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Now it’s time to plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Divide the pasta and chicken between your serving plates. Garnish each plate with fresh lemon slices for a burst of freshness and color, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green. The parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter and cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, buttery goodness!
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
The Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Spice
The combination of heavy cream and cowboy butter in the sauce creates a rich, creamy base that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and linguine. The crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Despite its decadent flavor, this dish is simple to make. From start to finish, you’ll only need about 35 minutes to prepare this dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The steps are easy to follow, and the result is a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
Customizable for Your Taste
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. For example, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter version or use half-and-half instead of full cream.
Feel free to try using different kinds of pasta. While linguine is the ideal choice for this dish, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work well too.
Nutritional Information for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
This dish provides a solid amount of protein from the chicken, while the pasta adds a good source of carbs for energy. Although it’s rich, you can balance it with healthier sides like a green salad or roasted vegetables.
FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the chicken, and then toss with freshly cooked linguine.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Although linguine is the preferred pasta for this recipe, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, you could even drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate when frozen. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the sauce may change once it is reheated.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
This dish goes great with a range of side options. You can serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Related Recipes You May Enjoy
If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting dishes like Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you might also enjoy these recipes:
- Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta
These recipes are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting meals.
Final Thoughts on Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a quick and easy dinner for your family, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect choice. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the perfect blend of spices, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So why wait? Get cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dish tonight!
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Quick Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Creamy & Satisfying
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a savory dinner that comes together in no time. Tender chicken bites are tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce and paired with linguine for the perfect comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken. Garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more cowboy butter to the sauce.
- Feel free to swap out linguine for other types of pasta such as spaghetti or penne.
- The dish can be made spicier by adding more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter sauce, easy chicken linguine, buttery pasta recipe, creamy dinner ideas