Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. Imagine tender strips of golden chicken mingling with silky linguine, all swirled in a warmly spiced cowboy butter sauce bursting with garlic, fresh herbs, and a kiss of lemon. With the added flourish of fresh Parmesan, this dish is simple enough for a weeknight but bold and irresistible, just right for a gathering of your favorite people. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or turning a regular night into something memorable, Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese – you’ll be glad you did.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine comes together with ingredients you probably already have, each one playing a role in building flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for every component to help you get the best out of each.

• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for fast and even cooking – slice them thinly after cooking for the best texture in your pasta.
• Linguine Pasta: This flat, slightly chewy pasta holds the sauce beautifully – make sure to cook it al dente for maximum flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: The base of our cowboy butter sauce; opt for unsalted so you can control the seasoning from start to finish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic depth – don’t skimp!
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a grassy freshness and a pop of green; use extra for garnishing.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Brings subtle earthiness and layers of flavor to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Lends a smoky warmth, giving your cowboy butter its signature flair.
• Onion Powder: Enhances savory notes and ties together all the flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick; adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Salt and Pepper: Season as you go for balanced results.
• Chicken Broth: This creates the sauce’s body and helps carry all those ranch-inspired flavors right into the pasta.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up – don’t skip this finishing touch.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The essential cheesy topper; grating it yourself delivers the best melt and flavor.

How to Make Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a golden sear instead of steaming. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Heat a couple of tablespoons of butter in a large skillet, then let the chicken cook undisturbed until beautifully browned and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side. Rest the chicken so it stays juicy, then set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

While the chicken is sizzling, put a big pot of salted water on to boil. Once it’s rolling, drop in your linguine and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water! It’s the secret to silky sauces that cling perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Using that same skillet (hello, flavor!), melt the rest of your butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and thyme, sautéing for a minute or two until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up all those tasty bits from the pan. Let it all simmer together for a couple minutes, and adjust the salt, pepper, or even a squeeze more lemon to taste.

Step 4: Slice Chicken and Toss with Pasta

While the cowboy butter sauce bubbles gently, slice your rested chicken breasts into thin, even strips. Add the just-drained linguine right into the skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand in that luscious sauce – splash in some reserved pasta water if needed for extra gloss. Fold in your sliced chicken, letting everything come together in saucy harmony.

Step 5: Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Now for the fun part: Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Finish each dish with more fresh herbs for color, and serve straight away while it’s all warm, buttery, and inviting.

How to Serve Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and a picture-perfect finish, always divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A little extra chopped parsley and thyme adds brightness and a pop of color, while a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of extra red pepper flakes provides contrast and charm.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a showstopper on its own but pairs delightfully with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or oven-roasted vegetables for a burst of color and nutrition. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome to mop up any extra cowboy butter sauce left on your plate after you divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it up a notch by twirling the linguine with tongs before plating, gently arranging the sliced chicken on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For family-style meals, mound everything onto a big serving platter, ladle extra sauce over top, and let everyone help themselves before you finish with that magical step: divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese tableside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just before serving, remember to divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese again for a fresh pop.

Freezing

While the sauce and chicken freeze well, the pasta may soften upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and cowboy butter sauce separately from the linguine. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and toss fresh pasta with the warmed sauce and chicken, then divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just like new.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta to prevent drying out, and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, then once more, divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and will work just as well in this recipe. Adjust your cooking time as thighs may take a few extra minutes. Just make sure they’re cooked through before you slice and combine.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries—you can substitute with dried herbs (use half the amount, as they’re more concentrated). The flavor will be a bit different, but the cowboy butter will still be deliciously aromatic.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The crushed red pepper flakes add heat, but you can omit them entirely for a milder version that’s still deeply flavorful.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you can still divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How do I make it vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, try swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even crispy tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for an equally satisfying cowboy butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

This is the dish that proves weeknight meals can be exciting and comforting all at once. Gather your loved ones and treat them to something special: Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among plates, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a small touch with big payoff, truly making every plate irresistible. Enjoy every bite!

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