why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a simple dish that brings big flavors without taking hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be made in just 30 minutes. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair beautifully with linguine, making this a comfort food favorite for the whole family. Plus, it uses ingredients you can easily find in your pantry.
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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. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, and 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. Cook 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 and cook 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
You can serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot right after cooking. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread on the side. A sprinkle of extra parsley or parmesan on top adds a nice touch for presentation.
how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- For best flavor, make sure to sauté the garlic until just fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your taste.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but you can also try using basil or cilantro for a different taste.
variation (if any)
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the linguine with any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine or penne.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream or use Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option. You can also add more vegetables.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and combine them with the pasta right before serving for a quicker meal.
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple yet flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
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 then set the pasta aside.
- 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. 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). 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 and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
- 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. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!
Notes
For best flavor, sauté the garlic until just fragrant, and adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes based on taste. Fresh parsley is recommended, but basil or cilantro can also be used.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, linguine, creamy sauce, quick meal, comfort food
