Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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There’s something almost magical about tossing golden seared chicken into a creamy, buttery sauce laced with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat, then marrying it all with silky linguine. When I first put together this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, I had no idea it would become such a staple in my kitchen. The flavors are bold and addictive, and the aroma alone is enough to pull anyone into the kitchen.

I was inspired to create this dish after making a batch of cowboy butter for grilled steaks. It’s usually brushed on meat, but I thought, why not give pasta a taste of that rich, zesty goodness? One experiment later, and I was hooked. The buttery blend of garlic, parsley, Dijon, lemon, and red pepper flakes was begging to be tossed with juicy chicken bites and wrapped around twirls of linguine.

Now, it’s one of those weeknight winners that I make when I want something comforting yet indulgent. And let me tell you, it’s a showstopper. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or something a little more special, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine never disappoints. If you love creamy pasta recipes, check out my other favorites like Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta or Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, and if you’re after something baked and cheesy, the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This pasta dish is a flavor bomb in the best possible way. The cowboy butter infuses the entire recipe with a warm, savory punch that’s slightly spicy, garlicky, and herby, perfectly coating every bite of chicken and strand of linguine. It’s satisfying but not heavy, with a freshness from lemon juice and parsley that cuts through the richness. And the best part? It’s all made with simple pantry staples in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the perfect protein for this dish. It soaks up the cowboy butter flavor beautifully while staying juicy and tender.

Linguine: This long, flat pasta holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly. It’s the ideal shape to wrap around bites of chicken and buttery goodness.

Butter: The base of cowboy butter, it creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats everything evenly.

Garlic: Essential for depth and aroma, garlic brings warmth and an irresistible savory punch.

Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp tanginess that balances the richness of the butter and cream.

Lemon Juice: Brightens up the whole dish and cuts through the heaviness with a fresh citrusy zing.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbaceous note that keeps the flavors feeling light and fresh.

Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat to make the cowboy butter pop. Adjust to taste.

Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that elevates the sauce to a luxurious level.

Salt and Pepper: Basic but vital to enhance every flavor in the dish.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook the linguine until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Let it sizzle for a minute to bring out the flavors.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer until it slightly thickens. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if it gets too thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra parsley or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to switch things up in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier bite. If you’re not into chicken, shrimp or sliced steak are fantastic alternatives that soak up the cowboy butter sauce like a dream.

For a different pasta shape, fettuccine or tagliatelle will still deliver that creamy coating, or try penne for something more bite-sized. Want to make it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and skip the extra butter. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream and vegan butter will work in a pinch and still give you that luscious mouthfeel.

And if you’re out of Dijon, stone-ground mustard or even a touch of whole-grain mustard will do the trick with a slightly different texture. Don’t be afraid to personalize it – the cowboy butter is bold enough to carry just about anything.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot and fresh, right from the skillet. It’s indulgent enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For something heartier, garlic bread is a no-brainer.

For drinks, a crisp Chardonnay or chilled glass of Pinot Grigio balances the richness nicely. If you’re leaning non-alcoholic, lemon-infused sparkling water makes for a refreshing match.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but it reheats beautifully.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. The microwave works too – just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Avoid freezing this one, as the cream sauce may split upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

FAQs

How spicy is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but nothing overpowering. You can always dial the heat up or down to your taste.

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the components ahead and store them separately. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of linguine in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne make excellent substitutes if you don’t have linguine on hand.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it so by using gluten-free pasta and double-checking your Dijon and butter labels.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Definitely! It’s a great shortcut. Just shred or chop and add it in Step 5 when you combine everything.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If creamy and bold flavors are your thing, then you must check out this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. It delivers the same comfort and richness with a beefy twist. For something with a bit more flair, Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce will hit all the right notes.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine made your taste buds sing, don’t forget to save it! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can find it when those creamy pasta cravings hit. Share it with your family and friends too – whether by email, Facebook, or even tagging someone in a post. Trust me, once they try it, they’ll be asking for seconds.

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