Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe for Dinner Magic

Creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine brings a wild west twist to your pasta night!

Rustic ranch-inspired flavors dance across tender noodles with unexpected zest.

Spices and herbs mingle in a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each strand of linguine.

Ranch seasoning kicks traditional chicken pasta into high gear with bold, smoky notes.

Crispy chicken pieces scattered throughout add delightful texture and depth to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering fusion dish.

Come hungry and ready to saddle up for a flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What Makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Irresistible

• Savor Quick Comfort: Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this chicken linguine delivers a satisfying meal in minimal prep steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by playing with red pepper flakes or swap proteins to match family preferences without complicated technique.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-style creamy pasta with restaurant-inspired cowboy butter sauce that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing entire dish in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making weeknight cooking stress-free.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main body of the dish and provides a hearty base.

• Linguine: Classic long, flat pasta that serves as the foundation for the creamy sauce.

• Paprika, Garlic Salt, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dish.

• Cowboy Butter: Richly flavored compound butter that creates a luxurious base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy notes to balance the richness of the dish.
• Lemon Slices: Provides a fresh garnish and additional citrus aroma.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean flavor to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Linguine

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in the linguine and cook it until it’s perfectly tender. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer, creating enough space between them.

• Paprika
• Garlic salt
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on the first side until it develops a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Add Cowboy Butter Magic

Introduce two tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet.

Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking until they’re completely browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which takes about another 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Lower the skillet’s heat to low. Pour in the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes.

Stir the mixture, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Reunite the cooked linguine and chicken in the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats every inch of the pasta and chicken. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a bright, zingy finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Dress up your dish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in this cowboy-inspired pasta creation.

Tips to Nail Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to create a versatile protein option for different dietary preferences.
• Toast the red pepper flakes in the butter briefly to enhance their smoky, spicy flavor profile before adding cream.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste compared to bottled varieties.
• Cook linguine just shy of package instructions to maintain an al dente texture that will continue cooking slightly in the creamy sauce.

Creative Takes on Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Spicy Southwest Linguine: Replace cowboy butter with jalapeño-infused butter, add diced bell peppers and corn for extra southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap cowboy butter for herb-packed Mediterranean butter, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine: Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika, blend in andouille sausage chunks and swap heavy cream for a lighter Creole-style sauce.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Linguine: Mix ranch seasoning into the butter, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top, and add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.

What to Eat with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the lemony brightness of the dish.
• Enhance with Herbed Focaccia: Crusty, herb-infused bread perfectly soaks up the luxurious cowboy butter sauce and adds textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery greens tossed in light vinaigrette provide a sharp, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy linguine.
• Create with Roasted Garlic Aioli: Smooth, tangy condiment adds extra depth and richness to the chicken and pasta combination.

Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Without Hassle

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Separate chicken and pasta to prevent texture loss.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add small amount of liquid to prevent drying out.

Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• What is cowboy butter?

A blend of softened butter mixed with herbs like parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes that adds rich, zesty flavor to dishes.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly and cook evenly when sliced into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount based on your personal spice preference.

• Is this recipe considered a quick meal?

Absolutely! This linguine dish comes together in about 20-25 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine dances with bold southwestern spices, creating a mouthwatering fusion of comfort and excitement. Spicy, herbaceous sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly al dente pasta, promising a delightful culinary adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine

Sauce and Garnish:

• 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until perfectly tender, following package guidance. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Arrange chicken pieces in a uniform layer, evenly distributing paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper across the surface.
3. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust develops, then introduce 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Carefully rotate chicken pieces to ensure comprehensive cooking.
4. Continue cooking chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F and both sides display rich, caramelized coloration. Transfer protein to a warm plate.
5. Reduce skillet heat to low, incorporating remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Deglaze pan by gently scraping accumulated browned fragments.
6. Introduce cooked linguine and reserved chicken into the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each ingredient. Brighten flavor profile by drizzling fresh lemon juice throughout.
7. Complete the dish by adorning with delicate lemon slice medallions and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Swap linguine with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for low-carb and dietary alternative options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg