Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that combines the rich flavors of butter and garlic with tender chicken and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting plate of pasta that feels special and satisfying. This recipe is not only quick but also uses simple ingredients you can find in 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
To serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, place a generous portion on each plate. You can garnish with extra parsley and parmesan cheese for a nice touch. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy it hot for the best experience!
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water; it helps make the sauce creamy and smooth.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Grilling the chicken instead of sautéing gives it a different taste as well.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a similar taste.
3. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare it fresh, but you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just boil the pasta and combine everything.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious pasta dish with tender chicken, rich butter, and garlic flavors, perfect for busy nights.
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 and set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while simmering.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley, stirring gently to cook for an additional 2 minutes until lightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything to coat evenly, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving hot.
Notes
Great to serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.