Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Bold, Savory Flavor: The cowboy butter sauce, packed with garlic, herbs, and a smoky kick, adds depth and richness to the chicken and pasta.
- Juicy Chicken: Each piece of chicken is seared to perfection, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is both satisfying and hassle-free.
- One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook the linguine according to the package instructions, and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
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Combine: Slice the chicken into strips, toss the pasta in the sauce, and adjust the sauce’s consistency with the reserved pasta water. Add the sliced chicken and mix.
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Serve: Plate the dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with additional parsley and thyme.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Lighter Version: Use less butter or substitute with olive oil for a healthier alternative.
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
4. Is the cowboy butter sauce spicy?
The sauce can be made spicy depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. Adjust to your heat preference.
5. Can I use a different herb instead of thyme?
Yes, you can substitute thyme with herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free linguine pasta as a substitute.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Be sure to not overcook the chicken. Cook it just until golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a bold, buttery sauce. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a go-to dish in your recipe collection. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring golden-brown chicken topped with a bold, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce infused with herbs and spices, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this indulgent yet easy recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken and mix everything together.
- Serve: Plate the dish, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with extra parsley and thyme.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less spice.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: chicken
- Method: Skillet, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
