If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion, then look no further than Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful linguine, and a rich cowboy butter sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese in the cowboy butter sauce creates a creamy and indulgent flavor profile that you won’t be able to resist.
Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Perfect for meal prep: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine reheats beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Provides lean protein and a hearty texture to the dish.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to cook the chicken evenly.

Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy and indulgent flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper: These seasonings add depth and complexity to the chicken.
For the Pasta:

Linguine: A classic pasta choice that pairs perfectly with the cowboy butter sauce.

Salted water, for boiling: Essential for cooking the pasta to perfection.
¼ cup reserved pasta water: Helps to create a silky sauce for the dish.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: The base of the rich and flavorful sauce.

Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of garlic flavor to the sauce.
¼ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.

¼ cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy and luscious texture.

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and tangy kick to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor.

Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce with a hint of acidity.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

In the same skillet as the chicken, add the softened butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Helpful Tips:

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning.

To add a pop of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein options.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Make sure to cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through to ensure a juicy and tender result.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water when adding it to the sauce – it helps to create a silky and cohesive sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap out the linguine for your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the cowboy butter sauce?
Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute it with whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.

Conclusion:

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its creamy cowboy butter sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Give it a try and let us know how much you loved it!