Are you ready to lasso a flavor explosion? Saddle up, because this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to take your taste buds on a ride! This dish combines tender chicken, a rich and savory cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe a joy to create. For another option, try this [Sausage and Pepper Pasta Skillet](Internal Link to relevant recipe), for another option with lots of flavor. Get ready to unleash your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) and create a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite! This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a favorite in many households.

Corraling the Ingredients: Your Chuckwagon of Flavor

The secret to this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in the vibrant and flavorful cowboy butter sauce. It is about the careful balance of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Linguine: 1 pound. Linguine is a classic pasta that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. However, there are a range of different types of pasta to choose from.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces. The chicken breast forms the meat aspect of the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the chicken to perfection.
Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick), unsalted. Forms the base of the cowboy butter sauce. Butter allows for the texture and flavour of the sauce to be enhanced, creating the perfect Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Chives provide a mild oniony flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Adds a touch of heat. If you want to make the dish spicier, you might want to consider adding hot peppers as well to make this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine your favourite.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Provides a savory and earthy flavor.
Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a smoky depth.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Brightens the flavors.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds warmth and depth.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Creates a creamy and luxurious sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup. Adds a salty and nutty flavor.

If you would like more information about safely cooking the ingredients above and food safety guidelines, here is a reliable resource for all things cooking [Safe Cooking Practices]

Branding the Herd: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this incredibly flavorful Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

Cook the Linguine. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Ensuring the chicken is browned but not burnt and retains it’s texture will enhance the flavour when creating the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Ensure you don’t cook the chicken for too long at this stage.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add the fresh parsley, fresh chives, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Add Cream and Parmesan. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Serve. Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure all of the chicken and linguine is fully covered to create optimal flavour within the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Garnish and Serve. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley, if desired.

Wagon Train Wisdom: Pro Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Success

Here are some tips to help you create the perfect Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

High-Quality Butter: Using good quality butter will significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley and chives add a bright, vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. Use fresh herbs to ensure you are enhancing the texture and flavour of your meal.
Adjust the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if you want a spicier dish. You can also add hot sauce and different kinds of peppers to add an explosion of heat.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until browned and cooked through. To ensure the chicken is not overcooked, use lower heat to enhance the flavour of the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Taste and Season: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. It’s important to always taste while you’re preparing a meal to adjust any aspects to enhance the meal and reach your flavour profile.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the linguine is hot. Serve on a hot dish to ensure the food remains hot, or the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will congeal and change textures.
Add some zest: Citrus flavours make this dish a step above. Add some lemon or orange peel to bring out more flavours.
Add some acidity: Bring the butter sauce up a notch with some acidity. A little bit of white wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken will do the trick!

Campfire Provisions: Storing Your Cowboy Butter Chicken

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them properly to enjoy again later:

Cool Completely: Allow the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to cool completely before storing.
Airtight Container: Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you are not sure what the proper steps are for this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, then it is time to look them up.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, but it may not be as creamy.

Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the texture. You can find tips for refrigerating pasta by following this link [Refrigerating Pasta Tips]

Taming the Recipe: Variations to Make It Your Own

Want to add your own spin? Here are some tasty variations on this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

Spicy Cowboy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Smoked Sausage: Replace the chicken with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Cowboy: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to the sauce.
Shrimp Cowboy: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Bacon Cowboy: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for extra smokiness and flavor.
Creamy Cajun Cowboy: Add some Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a zesty flavor.
Add different herbs: Some fresh basil, thyme or rosemary can elevate the sauce and give it a more earthy and herbaceous flavor.
Add a little tang: Adding a tablespoon of dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the butter sauce can enhance the complex flavours.

Chow Time: Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is great as a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh side salad provides a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy option.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a cool and tangy complement.
Biscuits: Warm, buttery biscuits are a great addition.
Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea pairs well with the savory flavors.
Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade is also a great choice.

Rounding Up Answers: FAQs About Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Have questions? Here are some common ones:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would also work well.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: It’s best served immediately, but you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine with the pasta when ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

A: Half-and-half or milk can be substituted, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

A: Yes! Sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the garlic.

Conclusion: A Flavor Stampede in Every Bite!

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience. With its tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and satisfying pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The simple addition of high-quality fresh ingredients provides flavours from multiple taste profiles that provide you with Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Gather your ingredients, unleash your inner cowboy (or cowgirl), and prepare to create a dish that will have everyone shouting “Yeehaw!”
Enjoy the textures and flavours that will enhance your taste buds today!

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Wild West Flavor Adventure

Print Recipe

A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cowboy butter sauce, and linguine for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound linguine
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook linguine according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, oregano, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and high-quality butter. Adjust spice levels to taste and add a splash of white wine for extra depth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 680
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken, linguine, creamy pasta, dinner