Craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish bursting with flavor that comes together in a snap? Look no further than this Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked linguine, all smothered in a rich, garlicky, herb-infused cowboy butter sauce. It’s a culinary masterpiece, easy enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough to impress guests.
What is Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and bold, Southern-inspired flavors. It’s a pasta dish featuring succulent chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with linguine in a creamy, vibrant sauce inspired by the iconic cowboy butter. Think melted butter, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
This dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures – the tender chicken, the smooth pasta, and the rich, flavorful sauce all dance harmoniously on your palate. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this one is designed for ease and enjoyment. Ready to transform your dinner routine and tantalize your taste buds? Give this Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try!
Key Ingredients for Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Linguine Pasta: 1 pound – Cooked according to package directions, al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large (about 1.5 pounds) – Boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) – Unsalted, divided into 4 tablespoons for the chicken and 4 tablespoons for the sauce.
- Garlic: 4 cloves – Minced.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup – Chopped.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons – Chopped.
- Fresh Rosemary: 2 teaspoons – Chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon – Or more, to taste.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons – Freshly squeezed.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon – Smoked paprika is preferred for a smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – For cooking the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional).
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is incredibly easy to make! The key is to cook the chicken and sauce simultaneously while the pasta is boiling. The delicious cowboy butter sauce is creamy, herby, and has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table.
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 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Flavors to the Sauce: Stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.
Finish the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve: Serve the Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra chopped parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavor bomb! The main highlight is undeniably the decadent cowboy butter sauce – a symphony of garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Making it at home saves you money compared to ordering it at a restaurant. Plus, you control the ingredients and can customize it to your liking!
The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon creates a vibrant and exciting flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked linguine coated in this creamy, herby sauce, punctuated by tender pieces of chicken. And for other comforting and equally flavorful pasta dishes, consider trying a classic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage after you’ve conquered this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. It is easy to make, cost less than ordering takeout, give it a try.
What to Serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine With:
To complete this satisfying meal, consider pairing the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with:
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and herbs make a healthy and flavorful side.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the dish nicely.
Top Tips for Perfecting Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through to avoid it drying out.
- Adjust the Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. If you have to use dried herbs, use about half the amount.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! The starch in the water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Salting your Pasta water is important for even savory experience of taste.
5 Facts about Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Cowboy butter originated as a flavorful compound butter often served with steak, featuring herbs, garlic, and spices.
- This recipe adapts the classic cowboy butter into a delicious sauce for pasta and chicken.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary are essential for the authentic cowboy butter flavor.
- The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but can easily be adjusted to your preference.
- Using reserved pasta water is a chef’s secret to creating a creamy, emulsified sauce.
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, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing: Freezing this dish is not recommended as the sauce can separate and the pasta texture can change.
Final Thoughts:
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and bold flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of culinary bliss right in your own kitchen!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine FAQs:
Q: Can I use different pasta?
A: Absolutely! While linguine is a great choice, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: While fresh herbs are preferred, you can use dried herbs. Use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Q: How spicy is this?
A: The spice level is mild, thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet while cooking the sauce.