If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, buttery flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, you’re going to love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together the heartiness of a cowboy’s favorite flavors with the comforting texture of linguine. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers an irresistible blend of creamy, savory, and fresh tastes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each play a unique role in building the fantastic flavor profile and delightful textures of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. From the luscious Cowboy Butter that carries the seasoning, to the fresh parsley that brightens the whole dish, every component is a star.
- 8 oz linguine: The perfect pasta shape to hold sauces and coziness in each forkful.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural tastes of chicken and butter.
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter: A rich, flavorful butter blend that gives this dish its signature bold taste.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that pairs perfectly with the butter and chicken.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of color and fresh herbal brightness on top of your pasta.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start with perfectly cooked linguine according to the package instructions, then drain it well. This is the foundation that will soak up all the flavors and tie everything together, so don’t overcook—al dente is the way to go!
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cooking them in a hot skillet over medium heat until the inside is no longer pink locks in the juiciness and creates a lovely golden exterior. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken slices in your dish.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken has rested for a moment out of the pan, slicing it into strips makes for easy mixing and elegant presentation. These strips will mingle beautifully with the linguine and buttery sauce.
Step 4: Combine with Cowboy Butter and Parmesan
In the very same skillet, melt your Cowboy Butter to capture all the leftover chicken flavors on the pan’s surface. Toss in the cooked linguine, chicken strips, and Parmesan, mixing everything thoroughly so every strand of pasta is cloaked in that rich, buttery, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does this add a pop of vibrant green color, but it also brightens the buttery richness with a fresh herbaceous note.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a fantastic garnish here to add a touch of freshness and color contrast. You might also consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or an extra dusting of Parmesan for cheesiness on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, something light and slightly acidic to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also fantastic sides to soak up any leftover buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the linguine in individual shallow bowls with the chicken strips fanned out on top, then sprinkle herbs right before serving. Alternatively, add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over for a bright citrus note that wakes up the dish wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely as it rests, but the fresh parsley garnish is best added just before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the butter and fresh ingredients, it’s best to avoid freezing this dish as the texture of the chicken and pasta can change. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for the best taste experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts, stirring in a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the creamy sauce’s texture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding the sauce, fettuccine or spaghetti would work nicely too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the perfect texture.
What exactly is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter blend typically including ingredients like garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s designed to add rich, savory depth to meats and pastas like in this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to keep the linguine from absorbing too much butter and becoming soggy.
Is this recipe spicy?
The original Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe has a rich, bold flavor but is not inherently spicy. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep juices inside, then slice thinly across the grain for tender strips that integrate well with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for easy, comforting meals that taste like a special occasion. The combination of buttery richness, tender chicken, and fresh herbs is truly a match made in kitchen heaven. So grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready for some seriously delicious pasta magic!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender boneless chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with linguine pasta in a rich, savory Cowboy Butter sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is perfect for a quick, hearty meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and no longer pink in the center.
- Slice the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest briefly. Then slice them into strips for easy mixing.
- Combine with Cowboy Butter and pasta: In the same skillet, melt the Cowboy Butter over medium heat. Add the cooked linguine, sliced chicken strips, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly and warm through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- To make the dish spicier, opt for a spicy version of Cowboy Butter or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy before slicing.
- For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream when tossing the pasta with Cowboy Butter.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal note.
