This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish that's quick to prepare and absolutely satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, a rich cowboy butter sauce, and al dente linguine makes for a comforting and delicious meal that will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine because it brings a burst of flavor without being overly complicated. The cowboy butter sauce is a delightful mix of butter, garlic, lemon, and spices that adds a zesty kick to the creamy linguine and perfectly seasoned chicken. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but is super easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. The chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked, and the linguine absorbs the rich sauce, giving every bite a burst of flavor. If you're someone who enjoys bold, buttery, and comforting pasta dishes, then this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
(Her's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Begin by cooking the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and place them on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chicken alternatives: You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp or even grilled steak for a different protein option.
- Spicy kick: For those who like it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some diced jalapeños to the cowboy butter sauce.
- Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free while keeping the flavor intact.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back some of the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works great, you can swap it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then simply combine and heat when ready to serve.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make this dish without the lemon?
The lemon adds a nice tang and brightens up the sauce, but if you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with vinegar for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect balance of buttery richness and bold flavors. It’s a quick and easy dish that packs a punch with every bite. I love how versatile it is, letting you make simple swaps to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or a special dinner, this recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe offers a rich and creamy dish packed with bold flavors. Featuring perfectly cooked chicken, a zesty cowboy butter sauce, and tender linguine pasta, it’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a minute.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Slice the chicken breasts and place them over the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations:
- Chicken alternatives: Try shrimp or grilled steak instead of chicken.
- Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-free: Swap butter with a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
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