Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich and flavorful butter sauce, garlic, and spices. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, and it brings a taste of the outdoors into your kitchen.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
8 oz linguine pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix well until everything is coated in the sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used as substitutes for thyme and parsley.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can replace the linguine with zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. Additionally, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, but broth adds more flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta fresh and combine before serving.

Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the dish. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. It’s best to consume it within 1 month for quality.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Print Recipe

A delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich butter sauce, garlic, and spices, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Poultry

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove chicken and let it rest.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix well until everything is coated in the sauce.
Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

Notes

Serve warm with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, comfort food, cowboy butter, easy dinner