Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, look no further than this Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This comforting and creamy pasta dish is bursting with flavor and can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy, rich flavors that your family will love. The recipe is straightforward and allows you to whip up a restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s highly customizable! You can add vegetables or change the level of spice to suit your taste, making this recipe versatile and enjoyable every time you make it.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
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 in salted water according to package directions. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set 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. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and 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). Gently simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
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Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, 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. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Serve this delectable dish in a large bowl or individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Enhance your main course with a side salad or some garlic bread to accompany the creamy flavors of the linguine.
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
- Chicken Substitutes: You can use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to toss in some spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Swap parmesan for Pecorino Romano or any cheese of your choice for a unique texture and taste.
Variations
- For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables.
- Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding some cayenne pepper.
- Try substituting the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce with a tangy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with the pasta when ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
If using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking them to ensure even cooking.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and is just as delicious reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping for the week.
Embrace the delightful medley of flavors in this Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Your family will be asking for seconds.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Main 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) For added spice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese For flavor
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Adding Flavor Components
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water).
- Gently simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Forming Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley.
- Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together, 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.
- Enjoy immediately!
