If you’re looking for a meal that brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and that unforgettable buttery richness, then you have to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s a delightfully simple, yet richly satisfying dish that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with linguine tossed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but downright delicious, and it will easily become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients — each one plays a vital role in creating the cowboy-worthy flavor and perfect texture that defines this dish. From the silky linguine to the luscious cowboy butter, every component adds something special.
- 8 oz linguine: The ideal pasta choice for soaking up the buttery sauce without overpowering the dish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, providing a clean canvas for seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter: The star of the recipe, packed with herbs and spices that bring a rich, zesty kick.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh brightness to balance the richness.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by cooking your linguine according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so it holds up nicely when tossed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it rest while you prepare the chicken. This simple step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture to soak up all that cowboy butter goodness.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper — this little step makes all the difference in boosting flavor. Cook them over medium heat in a skillet until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Cooking the chicken slowly helps it remain juicy and tender, the perfect base for your linguine.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into thin strips. Slicing the chicken allows each bite to be evenly distributed throughout the pasta, giving you a satisfying mix of protein, sauce, and noodles in every forkful.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet
In the same skillet, melt the cowboy butter. This step is crucial, as the butter absorbs any leftover chicken flavors, amplifying the dish’s richness. Add the cooked linguine, sliced chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese, then toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese melts into a silky, savory sauce.
Step 5: Serve Hot with a Fresh Garnish
Transfer your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to plates or a serving bowl, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This finishing touch introduces a fresh herbal note and vibrant color, making the dish irresistible both visually and in taste.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic chopped fresh parsley, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for an added zing. The garnishes brighten the presentation and elevate the flavor profile, turning this easy meal into a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the cowboy butter sauce. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic companions, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve portions of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in individual shallow bowls and garnish each serving with a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top. You could also add roasted veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes on the side for a colorful and nutritious boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the pasta might become slightly softer after thawing. To freeze, store the linguine and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This will help restore the creamy texture of the cowboy butter and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
What is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a savory, spiced butter blend often made with herbs, garlic, and spices that add a zesty, bold flavor to dishes. It’s the secret ingredient that gives this linguine recipe its signature taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works perfectly here, you can substitute fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne based on your preference. Just be mindful of cooking times and sauce absorption.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t inherently gluten-free because of the linguine, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without losing that delicious flavor.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter in this recipe?
The spice level depends on the specific cowboy butter you use. Typically, it has a mild to moderate heat combined with earthy, buttery flavors, but you can adjust by adding more or less seasoning to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and simply toss everything together right before serving. Just melt the cowboy butter in your skillet, add the components, and toss to warm and combine.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, combining hearty chicken, silky pasta, and a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a skillet, tossed with linguine and rich, savory Cowboy Butter, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and cook chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until the center is no longer pink and they are fully cooked through.
- Slice chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and slice them into thin strips for easy mixing with the pasta.
- Melt Cowboy Butter and combine: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and melt the Cowboy Butter. Add the cooked linguine, sliced chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the butter and cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the linguine and chicken mixture while hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when melting the Cowboy Butter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
