why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that brings together rich flavors and a creamy texture in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress your family or friends with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs makes this meal irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, making it a great option for any home cook!
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:
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then 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, then cook 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). While gently simmering, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 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
Serve this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it with family or friends for a delightful evening!
how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure to season your chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. For a different protein, shrimp or even tofu can be substituted for the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use whole grain linguine for this recipe?
Yes, whole grain linguine works well and is a healthier alternative.
Is it possible to make this meal ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken and linguine when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While you can freeze the dish, the cream sauce may change in texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider making a smaller portion.
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) Adjust for spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Divided for garnish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water Use reserved pasta water for flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
- to taste Salt and black pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the 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.
Adding Flavor Components
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). While gently simmering, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Forming the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
Combining All Ingredients
- 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!