This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken and linguine with a rich, zesty butter sauce packed with herbs and spices. The balance of garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a touch of cayenne creates a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This recipe is a family favorite in my kitchen. It’s indulgent yet simple to make, and the cowboy butter sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Zesty Flavor: The cowboy butter sauce is a perfect blend of garlic, spices, and fresh herbs.
- Comforting and Filling: Juicy chicken and tender pasta make this a satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a twist.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a quick dinner.
Recipe: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is well combined and aromatic.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley elevate the flavors of the sauce.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less or omit entirely.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Finish with Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of cream adds extra indulgence.
Why This Dish Is a Crowd-Pleaser
The combination of juicy chicken, tender linguine, and bold cowboy butter sauce makes this dish unforgettable. Its rich, zesty flavor profile is perfect for those who love comforting meals with a kick. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a hungry crowd yet elegant enough for a dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well in this dish.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Q3: Can I make this dish lighter?
A3: Yes! Use half the butter and replace the other half with chicken broth. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
A4: Substitute the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Q5: How can I add more protein?
A5: Add cooked shrimp or top the dish with a poached egg for an extra protein boost.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures to the table. The zesty cowboy butter sauce, paired with tender chicken and linguine, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is well combined and aromatic.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley elevate the flavors of the sauce.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less or omit entirely.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
