Craving a taste of the Wild West with a touch of Italian flair? Then look no further! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is exactly what you need! Tender chicken, bathed in a rich and savory cowboy butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine – this is comfort food elevated to a whole new level!
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Ever wondered how the West was really won? Maybe it wasn’t all gunfights and gold rushes, but hearty meals that could fuel a whole day of wrangling! Now, before you start picturing cowboys herding linguine instead of cattle, let’s clear the air. This dish isn’t actually a cowboy creation. We just borrowed the name from that amazing cowboy butter sauce! So why “Cowboy Butter?” Well, it’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it’s got a kick – just like a good ol’ western movie.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a total game-changer! First, that cowboy butter sauce is the star – a creamy, dreamy blend of herbs, spices, and garlic that will knock your socks off. It’s a flavorful explosion that perfectly coats every strand of linguine and tender piece of chicken. Second, making this dish at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to ordering takeout. You get a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices!
Plus, the toppings! Crispy bacon crumbles, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch. It’s far from your average Alfredo Chicken, this creamy, zesty pasta will have you wanting more after every bite. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try. You won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
Here’s what you need to wrangle up for this delicious dish. Don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients! Most of them are common pantry staples.
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Toppings:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner! From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes of prep and cooking time. The result? A creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish that will become a family favorite. The star, of course, is that cowboy butter sauce – it elevates simple chicken and pasta to a gourmet level! Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out, you want those browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant (but don’t let it burn!).
Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Add Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among plates. Top with cooked and crumbled bacon (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine With
To complete your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine meal, consider these pairings:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra cowboy butter sauce.
- Side Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. Consider a Mixed Greens Salad With Light Lemon Vinaigrette for a fresh taste
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing beverage to complement the richness of the sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with an amazing garlic butter bread to soak up all of the delicious sauce
Top Tips for Perfecting Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the heat to your liking
- Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs provide the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning, which can make the sauce taste bitter.
- Use Quality Butter: The quality of the butter will affect the flavor of the sauce. Use a good quality unsalted butter for the best results.
- Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil.
- Add vegetables: Add your favorite sauteed vegetables to the pasta to add texture
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to a skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the pasta. To avoid the pasta getting dry add a splash of milk or broth.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled dish in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the comforting flavors of Italian pasta with the bold zest of the American West. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is destined to become a new staple in your kitchen and let your taste buds thank you after. So saddle up and give it a try!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While linguine is the traditional choice, you can use any long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Yes! Shrimp, steak, or even tofu would be delicious in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
A: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! substitute The butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free milk if needed to thin the sauce.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest