Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, then paired with a creamy, rich butter sauce made with garlic, fresh herbs, and chicken broth. The linguine soaks up all the savory flavors, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s quick to prepare — ready in just 30 minutes! Whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, buttery goodness, and aromatic herbs brings a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
Table of Contents
Preparation and Cooking Time
With only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, serving 4. It’s the ideal meal when you’re hungry but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, and other spices.
- Linguine pasta, cooked until al dente.
- Unsalted butter, the base for the rich, creamy sauce.
- Fresh garlic, parsley, and thyme for flavor.
- Chicken broth and lemon juice to create the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese for garnishing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (check the internal temperature — it should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, parsley, and thyme, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Now, add the cooked linguine into the skillet with the butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta, stirring to combine everything.
Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley and thyme for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy this deliciously buttery dish!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad, crispy garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, you could swap out the chicken for a vegetarian protein option, or even reduce the butter to make it a bit lighter.
Additional Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Herb substitutions: While fresh thyme and parsley are recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs if necessary. Just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Adjust the spice: If you like things spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Recipe Variations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Sauce swap: If you’re craving something different, try swapping the cowboy butter sauce with BBQ sauce, Cajun seasoning, or Alfredo sauce.
- Veggie boost: Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a heartier meal. They’ll soak up the flavors of the sauce and make the dish even more delicious.
Freezing and Storage
While freezing the pasta isn’t ideal, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for later use. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and give it that buttery sauce consistency.
Special Equipment for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and making the butter sauce.
- Pasta pot: You’ll need a pot to cook the linguine.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Tongs: For easily handling the chicken in the skillet.
- Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and texture.
FAQ Section for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a rich, flavorful butter sauce made with garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonings like smoked paprika. It’s the perfect topping for chicken, steak, or pasta, adding a savory, herby flavor.
What is special about butter chicken?
Butter chicken is a popular dish known for its rich, creamy sauce made from butter, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish often served with rice or naan.
What is cowboy butter spaghetti?
Cowboy butter spaghetti is a variation of spaghetti where the pasta is tossed in a buttery, herby sauce made with garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonings like smoked paprika. It’s a savory and delicious dish that’s quick to make.
What are other words for butter chicken?
Butter chicken can also be referred to as Murgh Makhani in its traditional Indian form. It’s a creamy, spiced chicken curry served with rice or bread.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Crispy Recipe
- Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
- The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Stir Fry Quick Flavorful Dinner
Conclusion or Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an easy, quick, and incredibly tasty dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this buttery, flavorful meal will definitely impress. Happy cooking!
Check out more recipes on Pinterest.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Equipment
- Skillet For cooking the chicken and making the butter sauce.
- Pasta Pot For boiling the linguine.
- Meat thermometer To ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Tongs For handling the chicken in the skillet.
- Grater For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- as needed freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the garlic, parsley, and thyme. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if necessary.
- Combine the cooked linguine with the butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Slice the cooked chicken and stir it into the pasta.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, parsley, and thyme. Serve immediately and enjoy!
