Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Prepare to lasso your taste buds with a dish that’s as bold and unforgettable as the Wild West! Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, all swimming in a luscious, herb-infused Cowboy Butter sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of Cowboy Butter are debated, its spirit is undeniably American. It embodies the resourcefulness and hearty appetites of cowboys, who needed flavorful, satisfying meals after a long day on the range. This vibrant sauce, typically featuring melted butter, garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice, has quickly become a modern culinary sensation.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures. The richness of the butter is balanced by the bright herbs and zesty spices, creating a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. The linguine provides the perfect canvas to soak up every last drop of this delicious concoction, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein element. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to giddy-up and get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Cowboy Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Linguine:
• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparing the Cowboy Butter:

Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the Cowboy Butter! This stuff is seriously addictive, and you’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me on this one.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and thyme leaves. Make sure your butter is nice and soft so everything mixes together smoothly.
2. Add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The cayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavors.
4. Using a fork or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You want everything to be evenly distributed throughout the butter.
5. Taste the butter and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a little more garlic, a little more heat, or a little more salt. This is your chance to customize it to your liking.
6. Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the Cowboy Butter to a small bowl or ramekin. You can use it immediately, or you can store it in the refrigerator for later. If you refrigerate it, let it soften slightly before using.

Preparing the Chicken:

Now, let’s move on to the chicken. We want it to be flavorful and tender, so we’re going to give it a good seasoning.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, don’t be afraid to season generously.
3. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the oil and spices. Make sure every piece is nicely covered.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. You can even marinate it in the refrigerator for a few hours if you want.

Cooking the Chicken and Mushrooms:

Time to get cooking! We’re going to sear the chicken and sauté the mushrooms to perfection.

1. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms.
6. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
7. Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for another minute or two, until the sun-dried tomatoes are heated through.

Cooking the Linguine:

While the chicken and mushrooms are cooking, let’s get the linguine going. Al dente is the way to go!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Assembling the Dish:

Now for the grand finale – putting everything together to create this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to combine.
4. Stir in the Cowboy Butter, starting with about half of it. Add more to taste, depending on how buttery you like it. The heat from the pasta and sauce will melt the butter, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. If you want an extra creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream (optional).
7. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.

Serving:

Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best served immediately.

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve with extra Cowboy Butter on the side, for those who want an extra dose of buttery goodness.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cowboy Butter for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
• Use different pasta: If you don’t have linguine, you can use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the Cowboy Butter and the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, spicy, and savory cowboy butter sauce perfectly coats the tender chicken and linguine, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence, and trust me, your family will thank you for it.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. The combination of the rich butter, fragrant herbs, and zesty spices creates a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the chicken stays incredibly juicy, thanks to the quick sear and simmer in the flavorful sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cowboy butter for an extra kick.
* Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes would also be a fantastic addition.
* Cheese Please: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano over the finished dish for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese would also be divine!
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end.
* Protein Power: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
* Pasta Alternatives: While linguine is my personal favorite, you can easily substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly too!
* Side Dish Sensations: Serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a guaranteed winner, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you add any special ingredients of your own? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know what you think!

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