What exactly is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter typically made with herbs, garlic, and spices. It originated as a flavorful topping for steaks but has evolved into a versatile ingredient for adding remarkable flavor to many dishes. You can buy it premade at specialty stores or easily make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream creates the richest sauce, you can substitute half-and-half with good results. Regular milk can work in a pinch, but you'll need to reduce it longer and the sauce won't be as luxurious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the other flavors.

My sauce seems too thin, how can I thicken it?

The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to let it simmer longer before adding the pasta. For a quicker fix, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute until thickened.

What's the best way to prepare this for a dinner party?

You can prep most components ahead of time: cut and season the chicken, measure out sauce ingredients, and even pre-cook the pasta (toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking). About 15 minutes before serving, quickly cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then toss with the pasta. This approach minimizes last-minute cooking while ensuring the dish is fresh and delicious.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided; ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; lemon slices, for garnish; parsley, chopped for garnish

Description

Delicious and creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, combining tender chicken bites, al dente linguine, and a rich, tangy cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful main-course meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

- 8 ounces linguine

Chicken

- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sauce

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
3/4 cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
lemon slices, for garnish
parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta and set aside.
Sauté the chicken: To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Season chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
Add butter and cook the chicken further: Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan. Place onto a plate and tent to keep warm.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the rest of the cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up the brown bits in the pan, and stir until the butter has melted.
Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Add finishing touches: Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
Serve: Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Notes

Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Linguine can be replaced with any similar pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti.
Use freshly chopped parsley for a brighter garnish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 125mg