Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
If you are craving a dish that brings together the rich flavors of buttery garlic chicken and the comforting allure of pasta, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, golden chicken breasts sautéed in a luscious butter and cream sauce, infused with Italian herbs and just a hint of spice, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. The result is a delightfully saucy, flavorful meal that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for impressing family or friends or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted to find that this recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building the dish’s irresistible taste and texture. From the fresh garlic that adds depth and aroma to the creamy Parmesan that brings in that savory punch, every element enhances the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in a meaningful way.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking and juicy results.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its fragrant, mouth-watering base.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: Linguine’s flat, narrow shape is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning while creating a rich, silky texture.
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend (oregano and basil): This blend adds an herby freshness that brightens up the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level): Adds just the right kick — feel free to tweak this to your preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously creamy sauce that hugs the linguine beautifully.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end, Parmesan adds depth and a savory finish to the sauce.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine. Cook until it’s perfectly al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to save a cup of the pasta water before draining, as that starchy water will help thin the sauce later if needed, ensuring your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe has the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. The buttery skillet and even cooking build a golden crust that locks in flavor and moisture essential for the next steps.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked and resting, stir the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for about a minute. This quick step is key, releasing sweet garlic notes into the remaining butter, building the deep, inviting aroma that signals the sauce is on its way.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and butter, then add the Italian herb blend and red pepper flakes. Stir well until combined and slightly thickened. The cream and butter blend together with the spices to create that dreamy, velvety sauce that embodies the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe’s signature flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained linguine into the skillet, gently tossing so that every strand drinks up the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This simple trick guarantees the sauce clings perfectly without becoming gloopy or dry.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding the perfect savory balance and thickness. Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Trust me, this final touch takes the dish from fantastic to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the sauce. If you love more cheese, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan on top delivers that classic Italian finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple Caesar salad or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the creamy, buttery notes in the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to get a little fancy? Try serving the linguine on warmed plates with slices of the chicken fanned out on top and a light drizzle of extra butter sauce. Garnishing with edible flowers or a twist of lemon zest can also brighten the look and lend a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with cream can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze the chicken breasts and sauce separately for best results. Wrap each component tightly in freezer-safe packaging and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth, ensuring that every bite remains as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal due to its shape and texture, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well too. Just keep in mind cooking times and sauce adherence when switching pastas.
Is the red pepper flakes’ heat level adjustable?
Definitely. The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, but you can reduce it to zero for no heat or increase it if you love a spicy kick. It’s all about what suits your palate.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute. Nutritional yeast works great in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
What is the best way to cook the chicken to keep it juicy?
Cooking chicken breasts evenly over medium heat and not overcooking them is key. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F helps ensure they are juicy and safe to eat without drying out.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the sauce ahead, but it’s best to mix it with the pasta right before serving for optimal texture and freshness. Keep the sauce refrigerated and gently warm it before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its creamy, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and pasta. It’s an approachable yet impressive meal that invites you to savor every bite and share joy around the table. So go on—give this recipe a try and experience a truly comforting dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, buttery chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy garlic and herb sauce with linguine. The addition of Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a deliciously balanced meal ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend (oregano and basil)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Italian herb blend and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine and let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors.
- Combine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Serve the pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water while draining linguine as it helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
