why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, buttery flavors, and creamy pasta in one easy meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a plate that feels both comforting and luxurious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. It combines simple ingredients and quick cooking steps, making it a go-to comfort food that everyone will love.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, directly from the skillet for a cozy meal. You can sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top and add a wedge of lemon on the side for an added tang. Pairing it with a simple salad or some crusty bread will make it a complete dinner.
how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, place the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is browned but not dry, as this keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The salted pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor.
- Adjust Heat: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste, especially if you like it spicier or milder.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Substitute the chicken with shrimp or a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms for a different twist.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components like the sauce or chicken ahead of time, then cook the pasta and combine them just before serving.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or milk mixed with a little flour to thicken the sauce, but the cream gives the best richness.
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Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, buttery flavors, and creamy pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
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 and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese and a wedge of lemon. Pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg