Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Imagine this: It’s been a long day, and you’re craving something indulgent, a dish that hits all the right notes of savory, spicy, and buttery goodness. That’s exactly what you’ll dive into with my Chicken Linguine with Cowboy Butter. Ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Let’s get cooking!

Each creamy, savory forkful of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings something incredibly satisfying. I love how the paprika and cayenne pepper balance the richness of the butter and parmesan.

Somehow, the dish tastes indulgent but also refreshing, with the hint of lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

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• Chicken Breast: A lean protein source, low in fat, nutrient-rich.
• Linguine Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy, versatile base.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats, promotes heart health.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, high in saturated fat.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, adds aromatic depth.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy spice, contains antioxidants.
• Cayenne Pepper: Boosts metabolism, adds heat.
• Chives: Mild onion flavor, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory umami, source of calcium and protein.

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Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

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How to Make this

1. Prepare the linguine per package instructions in a sizable pot of rapidly boiling salted water. When the pasta is done, pour it into a colander to drain; then return the pasta to the still-warm pot. (You can also warm a bowl and use that to hold the pasta, but the pot is easier for the next couple of steps.) Despite the next steps, the linguine will now cease cooking and stay hot enough to almost be sizzling, especially if you use the large pot instead of a bowl. However, you will need to keep the next couple of steps moving to ensure that no one gets left behind in the hot pot.

2. As the pasta cooks, large, medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Chicken breast slices, seasoned with salt and pepper, are to be added next. They should be cooked until browned and cooked through. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same frying pan, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until you can really smell it, about 1 minute.

4. Put the Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Combine the spices with the butter mixture.

5. Add the set-aside pasta water, along with the lemon zest and lemon juice, and stir everything together to form a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two.

6. Put the chicken back in the pan and the linguine, too. Toss it all together with the sauce, coating everything well.

7. Include the newly cut parsley, chives, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix the ingredients together gently.

8. If necessary, taste and season with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

9. Serve the Chicken Linguine with Cowboy Butter immediately in bowls that are warm, with added parsley and parmesan to taste.

10. Savor this dish’s richness, spiciness, and buttery nature, paired with a side salad or some crusty bread, as a whole and complete meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Skillet
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Grater or zester
9. Citrus juicer (optional)
10. Serving bowls

FAQ

• What is Cowboy Butter?Cowboy Butter is a delicious sauce. It has butter, like, a lot of butter. And somehow, even with all that butter, it’s not what you would call a “buttery” sauce. That’s because it has so much else going on. First, there are the spices. Then there’s the mustard. Then, somehow, it manages to be both tangy and lemony and not overbearingly so. How does it do that?
• Can I use a different type of pasta?Indeed, while linguine is a perfect match for the dish, you can use any pasta you like as a substitute.
• What can I substitute for chicken breasts?For juicier meat, you may use chicken thighs, or if you prefer seafood, substitute shrimp.
• How do I ensure the chicken is tender and juicy?Prepare the chicken by cooking it at a medium-high heat until it’s just done. Don’t cook it too long—that’s how you get dry chicken. Easy, right?
• Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?Certainly, just decrease or leave out the crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to modify the heat level.
• Can I prepare the sauce in advance?Sure thing. Make the Cowboy Butter sauce before you need it and keep it in the fridge. Warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave before you use it.
• What sides pair well with this dish?An uncomplicated salad of greens or some sweet, steamed vegetables would make a fine complement to this dish, nicely balancing its richness.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken breast: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more succulent option.
Pasta linguine: Use fettuccine or spaghetti if linguine is unavailable.
Avocado oil or sunflower oil can be used in place of extra virgin olive oil.
Dijon mustard: Replace with a spicy brown mustard or with whole grain mustard.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese. They deliver different flavor profiles.

Pro Tips

1. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a cup of pasta water before draining the linguine. The starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick while tossing everything together.