Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels both comforting and luxurious. With the added zing of lemon and the savory goodness of garlic and herbs, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends or simply satisfy your cravings on a busy weeknight.

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:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. 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.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

This dish is best served warm on a large plate or in a bowl. You can add extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can enhance the flavor of this dish.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender.

variation

You can easily make this recipe your own. For a creamy mushroom version, add sliced mushrooms to the pan when cooking the chicken. You can also use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist or swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

   • Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta work well.

2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

   • You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

   • While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and mix it with cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry

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Description

A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and linguine pasta for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Simmer gently while scraping browned bits from the bottom.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the parsley. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Return chicken to the pan, add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is best served warm with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Chicken, Linguine, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner