Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Cook up a storm with this irresistibly easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in just 30 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory linguine, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The vibrant flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious meal, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine should be at the top of your list. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but brings together comforting ingredients that create a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who enjoys a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish will help you whip up a satisfying dinner in half an hour. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for various flavors and ingredient swaps based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is simple and quick. Follow these steps to bring this delightful dish to your table.
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: Start by boiling the linguine in a pot of salted water according to the package directions. To ensure you have plenty of flavor, remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Once cooked, set the pasta aside.
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Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one 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). As the mixture simmers gently, make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.
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Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to cook for an additional 2 minutes until it lightly thickens.
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Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and add the cooked linguine along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well-coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
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Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your delightful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot!
Pro Tips for Success Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Cook the Chicken Evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken breasts into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking. This way, you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
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Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is starchy, which helps thicken the sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
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Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Omit them altogether if you prefer a milder dish.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and parsley will provide a brighter flavor compared to dried spices. Always aim for fresh herbs and ingredients when possible.
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Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving. This way, you can have dinner on the table even quicker!
Flavor Variations Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the garlic to soften them before adding the sauce.
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Swap the Protein: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or turkey. Both options will provide a unique twist to the dish while maintaining the creamy cowboy butter sauce.
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Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
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Herb Variation: Swap out parsley for basil or oregano to give the dish a distinct Italian flair. Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Pair this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a crunchy side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve with a glass of your favorite white wine for adults, while kids may enjoy a homemade lemonade or sparkling water.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of liquid to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|———-|
| Calories | 640 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 62g |
| Fat | 29g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
FAQ About Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta! Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary. Always follow the package instructions for the best results.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, a mild vinegar can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste, as vinegar can be more potent than lemon juice.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
How can I make this a one-pan meal?
You can easily transform this dish into a one-pan meal by adding your chosen vegetables directly to the skillet once you remove the chicken. Sauté the veggies in the same pan before preparing the sauce and adding everything back in.
What should I serve with this pasta?
Serving a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables complements this dish nicely. Crusty garlic bread can also enhance the meal’s overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an irresistibly easy meal that satisfies both the palate and the belly. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of lemony zest, it’s a welcoming dish that can quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe proves that quick meals can still be packed with flavor and comfort. Make it tonight, and enjoy every bite!
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Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory linguine, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), simmering gently while scraping browned bits from the pan.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley, stirring until sauce lightly thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Combine All: Return cooked chicken to the pan, add linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss until well-coated, adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Final Touches: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
For best results, use fresh herbs and ingredients. Reserved pasta water helps thicken the sauce; don’t skip this step!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American