Craving a delicious, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious, garlic-herb infused “cowboy butter” sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a weeknight dinner dream!
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Ever wonder where this whimsical name comes from? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t exactly something you’d find wrangled at a dusty campfire. Well, the “Cowboy Butter” is the star of the show and is a flavorful herbed butter sauce. Now, why the name? Some say it originated from ranchers looking for a quick and tasty way to jazz up their meat with simple ingredients they had on hand. Others claim it was invented by a chef with a flair for the dramatic.
Whatever the truth, one thing’s for sure: this dish is hearty, flavourful, and will leave you saying “Howdy!”. After all, isn’t it said that “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” So, gather ’round, partners, and let’s whip up a batch that everyone will be talking about! Ready to give it a whirl?
Key Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
Here’s what you’ll need to rustle up this amazing dish:
- Linguine Pasta: 1 pound – We love linguine, but fettuccine or spaghetti also work great!
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless – About 1.5 pounds total. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted – The base for our amazing cowboy butter!
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped – Adds freshness and flavor.
- Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup, chopped – Another layer of deliciousness.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons, chopped – Earthy and aromatic.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste!) – For a bit of heat.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons – Brightness and tang.
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the lemon flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon – Adds a smoky depth.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – Classic Italian herb.
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For cooking the chicken.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is easier than herding cattle! We’re talking about a quick and delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. The star is, of course, the cowboy butter sauce – packed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice that will have your taste buds singing! This satisfying and flavorful dish is destined to become a family favorite.
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. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in Lemon Juice and Zest: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat the chicken.
Add the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This dish is a total flavor explosion in every bite! The creamy, garlicky, herby cowboy butter sauce clings perfectly to the linguine, creating a truly irresistible pasta experience. Making this dish at home is not only much more affordable than ordering takeout or eating at a restaurant, but you also get to control the quality of the ingredients.
The fresh herbs and lemon zest really elevate the flavor profile, making it something truly special and satisfying. If you’re also a fan of shrimp scampi, you might find this pasta equally addictive. Give it a try and taste for yourself!
What to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine With:
This delicious pasta stands well on its own, but here are some great pairings for a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing to soak up that delicious cowboy butter sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A summery side dish that complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the cowboy butter sauce. If you must use dried herbs, use half the amount called for in the recipe.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- Don’t Forget the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is the base of the sauce, use a good quality butter for the best flavor.
- Lemon Zest is Key: The lemon zest adds a crucial brightness that compliments the richness of the butter. Don’t skip it!
- Chicken Alternative: You can substitute the chicken for shrimp. Just follow the same cooking instructions!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or milk if the pasta seems dry.
- Stovetop: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the pasta and sauce texture may be affected. If you choose to freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a delicious and satisfying meal. So grab your skillet, round up your ingredients, and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add some roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and chicken, and then combine everything.
Is this recipe spicy?
- The spice level of this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
- While fresh herbs are preferred for their vibrant flavor, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh (e.g., 1 tablespoon dried thyme instead of 2 tablespoons fresh).
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest