Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Prepare to lasso your taste buds with a dish that’s as bold and flavorful as the Wild West! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, herb-infused cowboy butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked linguine. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of “cowboy butter” are debated, its spirit is undeniably rooted in the resourceful and hearty cooking traditions of American ranch life. Think chuckwagon cooking, where simple ingredients were transformed into satisfying meals to fuel long days on the range. This dish takes that rustic charm and elevates it with the elegance of Italian pasta.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors! The richness of the butter, the zing of garlic and lemon, the herbaceous notes of parsley and thyme, and the subtle kick of red pepper flakes all come together in perfect harmony. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and offers a delightful textural contrast between the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente linguine. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Cowboy Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Linguine:
• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Cowboy Butter:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the Cowboy Butter! This stuff is seriously addictive, and you’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me.

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. You want it nice and smooth, but be careful not to brown it.
2. Add the Garlic and Herbs: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and chopped rosemary. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Keep a close eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn – burnt garlic is a big no-no!
3. Stir in the Spices and Flavor Boosters: Now, stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Season and Finish: Season the Cowboy Butter with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
5. Keep Warm: Reduce the heat to low and keep the Cowboy Butter warm while you prepare the chicken and pasta. You can also transfer it to a heat-safe bowl and cover it to keep it warm.

Cooking the Chicken:

Next up, let’s get that chicken cooked to perfection. We want it tender and juicy, with a nice little crust.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Make sure your chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. You might need to cook it in batches.
4. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later.

Preparing the Linguine and Sauce:

Alright, let’s get that pasta cooking and build the creamy, dreamy sauce that will bring everything together.

1. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it – those chicken bits add flavor!). Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the Cowboy Butter: Pour about half of the Cowboy Butter into the skillet with the mushrooms. Reserve the remaining Cowboy Butter for serving. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together for a minute or two.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Parmesan and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The Parmesan will help thicken the sauce and add a lovely cheesy flavor.
6. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Add the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the creamy Cowboy Butter sauce.

Assembling and Serving:

The final step! Time to bring it all together and enjoy this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately.
3. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Drizzle with Extra Cowboy Butter: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with some of the reserved Cowboy Butter before serving.
5. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, spicy, and savory cowboy butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked chicken and linguine, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s surprisingly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for a weekend gathering.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Imagine the vibrant colors and earthy flavors complementing the rich cowboy butter sauce! You could even add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
* Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.
* For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the cowboy butter sauce for an extra layer of complexity.
* Consider using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well.
* For a lighter option, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
* If you want to make it a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli or green beans to the pasta.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this incredible Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures!

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