Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just half an hour? Look no further than Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, rich flavors, and a buttery sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to please.
Why Make This Recipe
This cowboy butter chicken linguine is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, lemon, and creamy sauce creates a delightful taste that perfectly complements the chicken and linguine. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze! It’s perfect for those who love creamy pasta dishes with a bit of a kick and is sure to become a family favorite.
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
- 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. 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 in 30 Minutes
Serve this dish warm in bowls and sprinkle with extra grated parmesan and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
- Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or substitute with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Variations
- Replace the linguine with your favorite pasta type, such as fettuccine or penne.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or thyme, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Get ready to enjoy your plate of Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—your taste buds will thank you!
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)
- 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
Preparation
- Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- 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.
Sauce Preparation
- 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). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
Final Assembly
- 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.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
