If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly brings together rich, buttery flavors with just the right amount of kick, then the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with linguine coated in a luscious, smoky Cowboy Butter sauce, all elevated by a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, perfect for weeknights or impressing friends without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients are the star here, each adding its own magic to make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe shine. From savory chicken breasts to the creamy richness of Cowboy Butter, every element plays a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable flavor and satisfying texture.
- 8 oz linguine: This pasta is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce without overpowering the dish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, they provide the hearty protein that makes this dish filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter: The star ingredient packed with smoky, buttery goodness that coats every bite with flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that perfectly complements the buttery sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A splash of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. This simple step ensures your pasta has the right texture to marry beautifully with the rich sauce we’re about to make.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the inside is no longer pink and the outside develops a golden crust. This creates a juicy core with a bit of savory sear that makes every bite a delight.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips. Resting keeps the meat juicy, and slicing makes it easy to mix into the pasta for even flavor distribution.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cowboy Butter
In the same skillet, melt the Cowboy Butter over medium heat. Then, add the cooked linguine, sliced chicken strips, and grate fresh Parmesan over all. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is luxuriously coated in that signature butter sauce. This is where the magic truly happens—creating layers of smoky, savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve with a Fresh Garnish
Plate the warm creamy pasta and chicken, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. The parsley not only adds a vibrant green pop but also gives a fresh contrast to the buttery richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish this dish, adding lovely color and a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness perfectly. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan or even crushed red pepper flakes if you want to bring in a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the rich butter sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors and add a nutritious edge to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a lemon wedge on the side. The citrus squeeze adds a refreshing contrast. You could also try adding some toasted breadcrumbs on top for an extra delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
While the pasta can be frozen, it’s best to freeze only the chicken and sauce components separately for better texture retention. Place them in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This prevents the linguine from drying out and helps maintain the creamy, buttery texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, you can swap it out for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold the Cowboy Butter sauce well.
What exactly is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter infused with herbs, spices, and usually a hint of heat, often used in Southern or Western American cooking to amp up the taste of meats and pastas.
Is this recipe spicy?
The standard Cowboy Butter has a mild smoky flavor, but you can easily add extra spices or crushed red pepper to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty grilled mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use the same steps to enjoy a vegetarian version of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
You’re looking at about 25 minutes total, with 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. That makes it a fantastic quick meal without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises that perfect blend of comfort and excitement. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts tossed in a rich and savory Cowboy Butter sauce with linguine and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 aside.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- Slice the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest briefly, then slice it into strips for easy tossing with the pasta.
- Prepare the sauce with pasta and chicken: Using the same skillet, melt the Cowboy Butter over medium heat. Add the cooked linguine, sliced chicken strips, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the butter and cheese sauce.
- Serve: Divide the linguine and chicken mixture among plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a better flavor and smoother incorporation into the sauce.
- For a low-fat option, consider using a lighter butter or reducing the amount of Cowboy Butter.
- You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat if desired.
