COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA – easymealstoprep

I can still picture my Grandpa Joe, with his worn-out cowboy boots and a twinkle in his eye, always grilling up something delicious. One summer, he made a garlic butter sauce that was out of this world, and the memory of that rich, flavorful sauce has stuck with me ever since. Today, I’m taking that inspiration and turning it into something truly special: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that combines the best of Southern comfort food with Italian pasta perfection. I promise this will become a new family favorite!

The Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Get ready to lasso yourself a plate of pure comfort! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavor explosion, combining juicy, pan-seared chicken with a creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. We’re talking restaurant-quality deliciousness in the comfort of your own kitchen. And trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be making it again and again. Think of it as a delightful cousin to Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta, but with a wild west twist.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

• Flavor, Flavor, Flavor: The Cowboy Butter sauce is the star of the show, a symphony of garlic, herbs, spices, and just a touch of heat.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the spice level and add your favorite veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Impressive Presentation: It looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for company.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Linguine Pasta: 1 pound. You can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted. This is the base of our glorious Cowboy Butter!
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy, garlic is key!
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds freshness and color.
• Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped. For a mild onion flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). For a little kick.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory depth.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Compliments the thyme beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. For a smoky, warm flavor.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Brightens the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds umami and depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For searing the chicken.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. It should have a beautiful crust!
4. Make the Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant (but not browned!). The aroma should be intoxicating!
5. Add the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the fresh parsley, fresh chives, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Stir in the Wet Ingredients: Add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
7. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the Cowboy Butter sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and deepen.
8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained linguine to the skillet with the Cowboy Butter sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
9. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. You want a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to the pasta.
10. Season to Taste: Taste the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a final touch of elegance.

Success Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Want to guarantee your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a resounding success? Follow these golden tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Sear it until it’s just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Using a meat thermometer can be helpful!
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the Cowboy Butter sauce. If you can’t find fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is the secret to a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Taste and Adjust: The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, more lemon juice for extra tang, or more garlic for extra garlicky goodness!
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while the pasta is still warm and the sauce is creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Veggies: Sauté some sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini before adding the chicken.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Cowboy Butter sauce for extra heat.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
• Use Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how to make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time:

• Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: You can make the Cowboy Butter sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the chicken and pasta.
• Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding it to the sauce.
• Cook the Pasta: It’s best to cook the pasta fresh, but if you need to cook it in advance, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Storage Instructions: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes to Try

If you loved this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorite chicken pasta recipes. They’re all quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

For a comforting and creamy dish, you can’t go wrong with CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN. Or, if you’re looking for something with a simpler sauce, try GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN ROTINI. And if you love that slow-cooked flavor without the slow-cooking time, you might like SMOTHERED CHICKEN over pasta or rice.

Another great option is Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta – bite sized perfection! And for those who love a good slow cooker meal, don’t miss out on the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Tips for the Best Linguine Texture

Getting the perfect linguine texture is crucial for this dish. Here are some tips:

• Cook Al Dente: Always cook your linguine al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm and slightly chewy, not mushy.
• Salt the Water: Generously salt the pasta water before adding the linguine. This will season the pasta from the inside out.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Use a large pot with plenty of water to cook the linguine. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the linguine occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking.
• Don’t Rinse: Don’t rinse the linguine after draining it, unless you’re using it in a cold salad. The starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it.

The Cowboy Butter Sauce: A Closer Look

Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the Cowboy Butter sauce so irresistible:

• The Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• The Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must. Don’t use jarred garlic, as it lacks the same pungent flavor.
• The Herbs: A combination of fresh and dried herbs adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• The Spices: Red pepper flakes and smoked paprika provide a touch of heat and smokiness.
• The Acid: Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
• The Umami: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that ties everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know I’ve already said it, but let me reiterate why I think you’ll absolutely adore this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

• It’s Incredibly Flavorful: The Cowboy Butter sauce is a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
• It’s Easy to Make: Even though it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, this dish is surprisingly easy to make.
• It’s Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different veggies, spices, or proteins.
• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that everyone will love, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
• It’s Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for company, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to absolutely love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. It’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Enjoy every delicious bite!