Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

There are few dishes that embody the essence of comfort food quite like a creamy pasta dish. But when you add a rich, buttery sauce with the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, herbs, and spice, it’s taken to an entirely new level. Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just that — a decadent pasta dish with pan-seared chicken, tossed in a luxurious, creamy butter sauce that’s spiced just right. The star of this dish, the “cowboy butter,” is a flavorful sauce inspired by the bold, rustic flavors often associated with cowboy cuisine, packed with butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat.

This recipe takes the iconic cowboy butter sauce and turns it into the perfect accompaniment to tender chicken and linguine. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s creamy, spicy, savory, and packed with layers of flavor, making it an absolute winner for any pasta lover.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, we’ll season and cook the chicken breasts to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with the creamy cowboy butter sauce.

1. Season the Chicken:

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   • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes to allow the spices to meld and the chicken to come to room temperature.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and a little crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, cook the linguine according to package instructions. This will ensure that the pasta is ready to be tossed with the creamy sauce when the time comes.

1. Boil the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes, depending on the brand and thickness of the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

2. Reserve Pasta Water:

   • Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and help the sauce adhere to the pasta better.

3. Drain and Toss:

   • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the cowboy butter sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Now, let’s make the buttery, garlicky sauce that will tie the entire dish together. This sauce is the star of the dish and brings so much flavor to the chicken and pasta.

1. Melt the Butter:

   • In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Add the Lemon and Spices:

   • Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.

3. Finish the Sauce:

   • Once the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the fresh parsley and chives for added freshness and a pop of color. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Now that both the chicken and the cowboy butter sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce adhere to the pasta. Continue tossing until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy butter sauce.

2. Add the Chicken:

   • Once the pasta is well coated in the sauce, add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Toss everything together gently to combine the chicken with the pasta and sauce. The chicken will warm through in the sauce, absorbing all of the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan

To make this dish extra creamy and indulgent, we’re adding some heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

1. Stir in the Cream:

   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. This will give the sauce a silky, smooth texture and rich flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

2. Add Parmesan:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a creamy, cheesy coating for the pasta. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Now it’s time to plate this delicious dish and garnish it for the perfect finishing touch.

1. Serve:

   • Divide the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine among individual plates or bowls. Make sure each plate has a good amount of pasta, chicken, and that luscious sauce.

2. Garnish:

   • Top the pasta with extra chopped fresh parsley and chives for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A light drizzle of extra hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is optional for those who enjoy a bit more heat or tang.

3. Enjoy:

   • Your creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine is now ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately while hot for the best taste and texture. Pair with a light salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Heat: The level of spice in this dish can easily be adjusted. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. For extra heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, you can certainly use them in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts take longer to cook through.

• Make It Your Own: While linguine is the pasta of choice here, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne.

• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, this dish reheats well. Simply reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more cream or pasta water to bring back its creamy consistency.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based chicken alternatives.

Conclusion

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect combination of tender chicken, buttery sauce, and flavorful pasta that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something rich and comforting. The cowboy butter sauce, with its garlic, lemon, and spice, perfectly complements the creamy pasta, making it a meal that’s decadent yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a date night, or a special gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Serve with a side of crispy bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Yield: 4

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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There are few dishes that embody the essence of comfort food quite like a creamy pasta dish. But when you add a rich, buttery sauce with the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, herbs, and spice, it’s taken to an entirely new level. Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just that — a decadent pasta dish with pan-seared chicken, tossed in a luxurious, creamy butter sauce that’s spiced just right. The star of this dish, the “cowboy butter,” is a flavorful sauce inspired by the bold, rustic flavors often associated with cowboy cuisine, packed with butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz linguine (or pasta of your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

To cook the chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

To make the cowboy butter sauce:

1. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet (do not clean it), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
2. Add the liquids: Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

To cook the pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine (or your preferred pasta) in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.

To assemble the dish:

1. Combine everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Toss the pasta to coat in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken into the skillet and toss to combine. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.

To serve:

1. Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can substitute the linguine with other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne if you prefer.

For extra flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

The cowboy butter sauce is rich and creamy, so adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers can balance the dish.

To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.