When I first experimented with making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, I was amazed at how something so simple could be so delicious. This dish combines suculent chicken with a buttery sauce and tender linguine, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. The creaminess of the sauce paired with the rich flavors of garlic and herbs leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Why is this dish so special? First, it melds various textures, with the tender chicken, the silky sauce, and the satisfying bite of linguine. It’s a delightful mix of flavors—herbaceous, buttery, and just a hint of spice—that works wonderfully for any occasion. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in whipping up this delightful meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
- Quick to prepare and cook, perfect for busy nights.
- Rich flavors that please a crowd.
- Made with common ingredients you may already have.
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup.
- Filling and comforting without feeling too heavy.
"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."
Preparing it: quick look
This recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, effortlessly combining sautéed chicken breasts with a rich, buttery sauce while linguine pasta cooks to al dente perfection. The entire process is straightforward, making it perfect for a weekday family dinner or a cozy night in.
What you’ll need
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken Breasts: You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used to control the saltiness, but you can use salted if that’s all you have.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs really shine in this dish, but dried herbs will work in a pinch—just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
- Pasta: Try different pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti if linguine is unavailable.
Cooking method
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll start by cooking the chicken, then the pasta, and finally, you’ll create the rich butter sauce that pulls it all together.
Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. In a separate pot, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the now-empty skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently in the buttery sauce until well coated. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the linguine and chicken, then finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little more parsley, if desired.
Helpful cooking tips
- For a better sear, pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and cooking them.
- Keep the heat steady to prevent burning the garlic; it should just begin to turn golden.
- Make sure the sauce clings to the pasta evenly for the best flavor.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Best ways to enjoy it
Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and garnish with grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up that delicious buttery sauce. This dish also goes wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
How to store & freeze
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Avoiding common mistakes
If your chicken is dry, try not to overcook it; it should feel firm but springy to the touch. For bland flavor, ensure you use enough seasoning and don’t skip the garlic—it’s essential! If you find your pasta sticky, be sure to toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining, so it remains separate and easy to toss with the sauce.
Creative twists
Add some proteins like shrimp or scallops for a surf and turf rendition. If you desire more vegetables, consider tossing in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. For extra flavor, a dash of white wine in the butter sauce adds depth—just let it cook off a bit before adding the broth.
Common questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be cooked in advance, and the sauce can be made a few hours before serving. Keep the pasta separate until you’re ready to combine everything and serve. This will help prevent it from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works as a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken breasts before cooking for even cooking. If using frozen, you can cook them directly from frozen but will need to adjust the cooking time.
With its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night at home. Give it a try, and you may find it’s destined to become a favorite in your household!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Method
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.
- In a separate pot, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the now-empty skillet, melt the remaining butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the parsley, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet, along with the drained pasta.
- Toss everything together gently in the buttery sauce until well coated.
- If the mixture seems dry, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Plate the dish and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley, if desired.