Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons chives, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 lb linguine pasta; 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency); Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Prepare to lasso your taste buds with a dish that's as bold and flavorful as the Wild West! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, herb-infused butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked linguine. This isn't your average pasta dish; it's a culinary adventure that will have everyone at the dinner table hollering for more.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, Cowboy Butter itself draws inspiration from the open-fire cooking and hearty flavors favored by cowboys of the American West. Think rich butter, garlic, and a medley of herbs, all designed to elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. This modern twist combines the rustic charm of Cowboy Butter with the comforting familiarity of chicken linguine, creating a fusion that's both exciting and satisfying.

People adore this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for its incredible flavor profile. The creamy, garlicky butter sauce is simply irresistible, coating every strand of linguine and infusing the chicken with a rich, savory taste. The addition of herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary adds a touch of freshness that balances the richness perfectly. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner that doesn't compromise on flavor. The combination of textures – the tender chicken, the smooth pasta, and the luscious sauce – creates a truly unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to experience a taste of the frontier with this delicious and easy-to-make meal!

Ingredients:

For the Cowboy Butter:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
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 smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Linguine:

1 lb linguine pasta
8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Cowboy Butter:

Alright, let's get started with the star of the show – the Cowboy Butter! This stuff is seriously addictive, and you'll want to put it on everything. Trust me on this one.

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. You want it nice and smooth, but be careful not to let it brown or burn.
Add the Aromatics: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep stirring constantly.
Spice it Up: Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for that authentic Cowboy Butter taste!
Finish with Freshness: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a nice brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
Season to Perfection: Season the Cowboy Butter with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
Keep Warm: Set the Cowboy Butter aside and keep it warm. You can cover the saucepan with a lid or transfer it to a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. This will prevent the butter from solidifying.

Preparing the Chicken:

Now, let's move on to the chicken. We want it to be flavorful and tender, so we're going to give it a quick marinade with some of the same spices we used in the Cowboy Butter.

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Linguine and Mushrooms:

While the chicken is resting, let's get the linguine cooking and sauté the mushrooms. This part is pretty straightforward, but it's important to get the pasta cooked al dente.

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, or until al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help to create a creamy sauce.
Drain the Pasta: Drain the linguine in a colander and set it aside.
Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned. If the skillet is dry, you can add a little bit of olive oil or butter.

Assembling the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all the flavors come together to create a truly unforgettable dish.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms.
Add the Cowboy Butter: Pour the Cowboy Butter over the linguine and mushrooms. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Incorporate the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season to Taste: Taste the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you're not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
Pasta: If you don't have linguine, you can use another type of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the Cowboy Butter and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them before assembling the dish.
Storage: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn't just another pasta dish; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, spicy, and savory cowboy butter sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer, and I'm confident it will become a new family favorite. But why is this a must-try? It's all about the cowboy butter. That vibrant blend of herbs, spices, garlic, and a touch of heat elevates the entire dish. It's not just a sauce; it's an experience. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! You don't need to be a culinary expert to whip up this delicious meal. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are simply outstanding. Serving Suggestions and Variations: This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is fantastic on its own, but feel free to get creative! For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce. A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables would also complement the richness of the pasta perfectly. Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cowboy butter for an extra layer of heat. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. The cowboy butter sauce works beautifully with any of these alternatives. You could even add some shrimp for a seafood twist! Another great variation is to use a different type of pasta. While linguine is my personal favorite, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That's the beauty of cooking – it's all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy. I truly believe that this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a recipe you'll want to make again and again. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and satisfying meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of cowboy butter for yourself. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments with me – I can't wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!