Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines the rich flavors of seasoned chicken with a buttery sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish promises a delightful experience, inviting you to savor every bite with its creamy texture and aromatic herbs.
Imagine enjoying a plate of pasta tossed with tender chicken, all enveloped in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings friends and family together around the dinner table, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is straightforward, allowing anyone to whip it up quickly.
- Bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to impress both family and guests alike.
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to any meal.
- Enjoy it on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 pieces, adjusting based on how many servings you need.
-
Fresh Garlic: Fresh cloves provide the best flavor; about 4-5 cloves should suffice.
-
Butter: Unsalted butter will help control the overall saltiness in your dish.
-
Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley adds color and freshness to your presentation.
-
Linguine Pasta: About 8 ounces of linguine will serve approximately four people.
For the Sauce:
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor profile and adds brightness to the dish.
-
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for moisture without overwhelming saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking them for about six minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Remove the chicken from the skillet and add minced garlic to the remaining butter in the pan. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine all flavors.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with cooked linguine. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add chopped parsley for color and freshness just before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional melted butter if desired for extra richness.
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook the linguine while preparing the cowboy butter sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready to serve simultaneously for optimal taste and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or lamb, and experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach can enhance both nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop to maintain the dish’s creamy texture without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfecting your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, remember that fresh ingredients elevate flavor significantly.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
- Don’t rush the sauce; allowing it to simmer enhances its richness.
Sharing this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and compliments flowed freely about my cowboy butter sauce. It always impresses guests!
FAQs:
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. The sauce incorporates garlic, herbs, and spices that offer an exciting flavor profile. This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a hearty yet simple meal that brings comfort to the dinner table. The inclusion of linguine pasta gives it a delightful texture, making every bite enjoyable.
How can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine healthier?
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine healthier, consider using whole grain or gluten-free linguine. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce and increase the quantity of vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. Opting for lean cuts of chicken will lower fat content while still providing protein. Additionally, using low-sodium broth instead of regular broth can help cut down on sodium intake.
Can I prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce before mixing them with freshly cooked linguine. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without much hassle.
What sides pair well with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness nicely. Garlic bread is another classic side that enhances the overall dining experience. For a more substantial side, consider roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale to add nutrients and color to your meal.
Conclusion for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful dish that combines creamy buttery sauce with succulent chicken and linguine pasta. It’s easily customizable and can be made healthier by adjusting ingredients as needed. Preparing this dish in advance offers convenience for busy lifestyles without sacrificing taste. Whether served alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread, this meal promises satisfaction and comfort at any table. Enjoy exploring its delicious flavors today!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting pasta dish that beautifully combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features linguine enveloped in a creamy sauce, enhanced by aromatic herbs and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it promises to bring family and friends together around the table, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and slice.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the remaining butter in the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer gently while stirring to combine flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with cooked linguine; toss until well coated in sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Add chopped parsley for freshness and serve with additional melted butter if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg