Ever get stuck in a dinner rut? You know, the one where you cycle through the same five meals every week. I’ve been there, even after years in a hot kitchen.
You need something that wakes up your taste buds without being a huge pain to make. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is that meal. It’s bold, it’s creamy, and it comes together faster than you’d think.
Let’s get cooking.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is all about the sauce. Good ingredients make a big difference, but don’t stress if you need to make a few swaps.
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 lb linguine
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
| Ingredient Group | Key Flavors |
|---|---|
| Pasta & Chicken | The Base |
| Cowboy Butter | Zesty, Garlicky, Rich |
| Herbs & Spices | Fresh, Spicy Kick |
Tools for the Job
You don’t need any fancy gear for this one. Just the basics will do the trick.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Reading the whole thing first helps a lot.
Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Before you drain it, save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry and season them well with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Add the stick of butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell it.
Step 5: Whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it bubble for a minute to bring the flavors together.
Step 6: Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Let it cook for another minute.
Step 7: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss it in the sauce to get it all coated.
Step 8: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s as creamy as you like. Serve it up hot.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve made this dish dozens of times. Here are a few things I’ve learned that make it even better.
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Save That Pasta Water: I said it once, but I’ll say it again. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It’s the secret to a silky sauce instead of a broken, oily one.
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Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you cook the chicken, give it space. If you pile it all in at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook it in two batches if your pan isn’t big enough.
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Fresh Herbs Are a Must: You can use dried herbs if you absolutely have to, but fresh herbs give this dish its bright, punchy flavor. It’s not the same without them.
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Control the Heat: The red pepper flakes give a nice warmth. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch. You can always add more at the end.
Subs and Swaps
Don’t have everything on the list? No problem. This recipe is easy to change up.
| Instead Of | Try Using | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Chicken Thighs, Shrimp | Thighs are juicier |
| Linguine | Fettuccine, Spaghetti | Any long pasta works |
| Fresh Herbs | Dried Herbs | Use 1/3 the amount |
| Parmesan | Pecorino Romano | Sharper, saltier flavor |
You can also add some veggies. Sautéed mushrooms or spinach would be great stirred in with the sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish is best eaten fresh, but leftovers are still pretty great.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you reheat it, do it in a pan over low heat. The butter sauce can separate. Add a splash of water or milk and stir until it comes back together and is creamy again.
What to Serve With It
This pasta is a full meal on its own, but a little something on the side is always nice.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for soaking up that extra sauce.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Nutrition and Diet Notes
This is a comfort food, so it’s rich. If you need to adjust it for a certain diet, here are some ideas.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.
- Lower-Carb: Serve the cowboy butter chicken over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is this recipe really spicy?
Ans: It has a little kick from the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the amount. Use less for a mild dish or more if you like it hot.
Q2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Ans: Yes, absolutely. Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay juicier. Just make sure to cook them until they are fully done.
Q3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Ans: Fresh is best for this recipe. If you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount called for, as dried herbs are more potent.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. A simple recipe that packs a serious punch of flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or crazy ingredients to break out of a dinner rut.
Give this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try. I think you’ll love it.
When you make it, come back and leave a comment. Let me know how it went or if you have any questions. I always like hearing from you.
