COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE ULTIMATE

Imagine twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked linguine, coated in a rich, herby, and slightly spicy sauce, punctuated by juicy, tender bites of chicken. That’s Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will have you saying, “Yeehaw! Dinner’s ready!”

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll break down each component so you know exactly what to grab!

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Linguine:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Spinach or kale, chopped

Prepping Like a Pro: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get everything prepped. This “mise en place” (fancy French term for “everything in its place”) will make the process so much smoother. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

• Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, and it makes for easier eating. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Garlic: Mince the garlic. Freshly minced garlic is key for that amazing Cowboy Butter flavor!
• Herbs: Chop the fresh parsley and chives. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but fresh really makes a difference. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
• Linguine: Get a large pot of salted water boiling. We want it nice and bubbly before we add the pasta. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!

Alright, friend, let’s get this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine party started! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Add the linguine to the boiling, salted water.
2. Cook according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need this to adjust the sauce consistency later.
4. Drain the linguine and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on all sides.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir in the parsley, chives, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce is well combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet with the Cowboy Butter sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the linguine and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Heat through, stirring occasionally, for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

• Sauce is too thick: Add more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or cream if you prefer.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer, stirring constantly, to allow it to thicken slightly. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce, but be sure to whisk it in well to avoid lumps.
• Chicken is dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Cooking it in bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. You can also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to help keep it moist.
• Pasta is sticky: Be sure to use plenty of salted water when cooking the pasta. Don’t rinse the pasta after draining, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce cling to it. Add the pasta to the sauce immediately after draining.

Variations: Making It Your Own

The best part about cooking is that you can always customize a recipe to suit your own tastes. Here are a few variations you might like to try:

• Add vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients. Spinach or kale can be added at the end for a boost of greens. Cherry tomatoes add a touch of sweetness.
• Spice it up: If you like things extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of chicken.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Use different pasta: Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta shape for the linguine. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would all work well.
• Make it cheesy: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to the sauce along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy dish.

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes, you should definitely try Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. Or, if you want a quick pasta dish with a similar flavor profile, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a great option. For a bite-sized version of cowboy butter flavor, check out Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites. If you want to explore other creamy chicken pasta dishes, Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta are both worth a try. You might also enjoy another variation of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Storage and Reheating: Make Ahead and Enjoy Later

• Storage: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Pasta Dish Awaits

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and customizable to your liking. Give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it! And don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, friend!