Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that combines succulent chicken, a creamy, buttery sauce, and the perfect blend of herbs and spices. The bold and savory flavors of the “cowboy butter” sauce elevate the dish, making it a satisfying and comforting meal for any occasion. The sauce, made from butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, coats the linguine beautifully, creating a luscious and flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving a hearty pasta dish, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is sure to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
The History of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
The term “cowboy butter” is typically associated with a tangy and zesty butter sauce that combines ingredients like garlic, lemon, herbs, and sometimes a bit of spice. While the exact origins of cowboy butter are unclear, it is often thought to be inspired by the bold, rustic flavors of traditional cowboy cooking, with its emphasis on butter, garlic, and hearty flavors. This style of butter sauce has grown in popularity over the years and is now a beloved component in many recipes, particularly in pasta dishes, seafood, and grilled meats. The combination of this sauce with chicken and linguine offers a modern twist on classic comfort food, merging rich, buttery goodness with the satisfying texture of pasta for a truly irresistible dish.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll need the following ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, linguine pasta, unsalted butter, garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The chicken serves as the main protein, providing a hearty, flavorful base, while the linguine pasta offers a soft, slightly chewy texture that complements the richness of the sauce. The cowboy butter sauce, made with butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs, is the star of the dish, imparting a creamy, savory flavor to each bite. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, while paprika brings a subtle smokiness to balance the richness of the butter.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and paprika, allowing the sauce to simmer for a minute to combine all the flavors.
- Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the drained linguine pasta to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Serve: Place the sliced chicken on top of the linguine and garnish with additional parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs, as they really enhance the taste of the sauce. Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking for maximum flavor. When making the cowboy butter sauce, don’t overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. If you prefer a slightly spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. For a creamier version of the sauce, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the butter and garlic. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and lose its texture. Lastly, don’t forget to save some of the pasta cooking water—it can help loosen up the sauce and make it cling better to the pasta.
Variations and Customizations:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the amount of butter in the sauce, using olive oil as an alternative. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. To add more vegetables to the dish, consider sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the garlic before adding the butter. For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful dish, but it’s also quite high in calories and fat, especially due to the butter and the chicken. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider making some adjustments, such as using less butter, opting for skinless chicken breasts, or serving the dish with a side of vegetables to balance the richness. Using whole wheat linguine can also add fiber and make the dish a bit healthier. While the dish provides a good amount of protein from the chicken, it’s important to note that it’s relatively high in sodium due to the butter and the addition of seasoning, so you may want to adjust the salt levels depending on your dietary needs. Overall, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal when enjoyed in moderation.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, or use vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to the cowboy butter sauce to increase the heat.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup 4 tablespoons / 57g cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup 178.5g heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Season the chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
- Place 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, tenting it to keep warm. Lower the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up the brown bits from the pan, then stir until the butter has melted.
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and combine.
- Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices.