Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken with creamy linguine and rich flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. This dish has a delightful balance of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it brings a taste of the Old West to your kitchen.
how to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before cooking for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
- Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!
how to serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a more filling meal. Enjoy it with family or friends to share the delicious flavors!
how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water if needed.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and don’t skip the lemon juice!
- For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat linguine or adding more vegetables.
variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to kids. You can adjust the spice level to suit their tastes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine them with the cooked pasta right before serving.
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken with creamy linguine and rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter, then sauté garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), simmering gently.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the parsley, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese, and toss everything to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Linguine, Quick Dinner, Creamy Pasta, Weeknight Meal
