Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that gracefully combines the heartiness of chicken with the creaminess of a rich sauce, all on a bed of linguine pasta. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a comforting yet sophisticated meal to their weeknight dinner repertoire.
Why Make This Recipe
There are numerous reasons why Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine should make its way into your cooking lineup. First, it’s quick and easy, making it a fantastic choice for those busy evenings when you still want something truly satisfying. Second, the flavors—garlic, lemon, and creamy goodness—create a delicious harmony that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Furthermore, it’s a versatile dish, allowing you to explore various ingredient substitutions based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate chicken into your meals without falling into mundane routines.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Creating Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s delve into the ingredients and the cooking process!
{image_template}
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: Begin by boiling the linguine according to package instructions in salted water. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Once drained, 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. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing 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 up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering the mixture.
-
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 begins to lightly thicken.
-
Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until coated evenly, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
-
Final Touches: Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!
Pro Tips for Success with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
-
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it remains juicy and tender. Removing it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through will prevent it from drying out.
-
Reserve Pasta Water: This is a game-changer! Using the reserved pasta water can help you create a perfectly balanced sauce consistency.
-
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and herbs. They impart a more vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives.
-
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your family’s tolerance for heat.
-
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before combining with freshly cooked chicken and pasta.
Flavor Variations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
-
Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or even chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version. This not only keeps the dish fulfilling but also adds a unique texture.
-
Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale for added vegetables. They will wilt nicely in the warm sauce and enhance the nutritional value of the meal.
-
Herb-Infused: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.
-
Cheese Variations: Swap out parmesan cheese for other types like goat cheese or pecorino to impart distinct flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another wonderful addition for dipping and soaking up any leftover sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad to round out the dining experience.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be unlikely given how delicious this dish is), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat your portions on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
For long-term storage, this dish can be frozen but keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change once thawed. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————-|———–|
| Calories | 630 |
| Protein | 37g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
FAQ About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is recommended for its texture and ability to hold sauces, you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or asparagus while cooking the chicken. You could also toss in fresh spinach or arugula right before serving for a colorful touch.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by using coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute. Replace the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While the dish is best fresh, you can make the sauce in advance and stay organized by having the chicken pre-cooked and reserved. Just combine everything right before serving for the best results.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or even a bit of honey if you’re seeking a bit of sweetness paired with tang. It will still add a nice flavor to your sauce!
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary experience that’s easy to create and hard to resist. With its balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and buttery flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion, this dish stands out for its flavor and ease, making it a true contender for your go-to recipes. So grab your ingredients and indulge in this satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Enjoy the cooking and savor the wonderful flavors that come together in such a short time.
Print
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish that combines the heartiness of chicken with a creamy sauce over linguine, ready in just 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
Instructions
- Boil the linguine according to package instructions in salted water, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or pasta water), scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and half the chopped parsley; cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the pan, add linguine and parmesan cheese, tossing until coated evenly. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan; serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for more vibrant flavors and adjust spice levels according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
