There’s something about a cozy evening at home that just calls for a comforting meal. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those dishes that makes you feel wrapped up in a big hug. Picture this: a creamy, garlicky sauce enveloping perfectly cooked linguine, topped with succulent pieces of chicken, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe a touch of extra Parmesan. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe
You might be wondering, what sets this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine apart? First off, it’s all about the flavors dancing together in perfect harmony. The rich creaminess of the sauce, paired with the zing of Dijon and the brightness of lemon juice, creates a medley that’s simply irresistible. The spices, like paprika and red pepper flakes, add just enough warmth without overwhelming the palate. The melodies of garlic and butter sing in this dish, turning an ordinary pasta meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or making it a little lighter if you prefer. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional pasta fare, bringing Southern culinary flair straight to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Gather these ingredients
To get started, let’s gather our star players. Don’t worry; you won’t need an exotic supermarket run—these are mostly pantry staples!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You’ll want this to be fresh and tender. If you’re in a pinch, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 12 ounces linguine pasta: Perfect for making sure each strand gets wonderfully coated in that creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds flavor while helping to brown the chicken to perfection.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Because butter makes everything better! It’s crucial for that Cowboy Butter soul.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic lovers, rejoice! This will bring a savory punch to your dish.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Just try it—this adds depth and a touch of tanginess that you’re going to love.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a lovely smoky and sweet note, elevating the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, this adds just a hint of heat.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest: These brighten up the dish and balance out the richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A pop of color and freshness that brings everything together.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water: This helps to create the luscious sauce, so don’t forget to reserve it!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where all the creamy goodness comes from; it’s what makes this dish a true indulgence.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The final touch for that cheesy goodness—you can’t skimp on this!
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To round out all those flavors.
Preparing Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Ready? Let’s turn our ingredients into a mouthwatering meal! Follow along step-by-step:
Cook Your Pasta: Boil the linguine in a pot of salted water according to package directions. Before you drain it, remember to reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water—this is liquid gold for your sauce!
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, take them out and let them rest on a plate, cutting them into bite-sized pieces later.
Make that Cowboy Butter Sauce: Don’t wipe out the skillet; the remnants are flavorful! Lower the heat, add butter, and let it melt. Toss in those minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant (but don’t let the garlic brown).
Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and let it gently simmer.
Creamy Sauce Formation: Now, pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Give it a gentle stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens lightly and envelops your senses.
Combine All: Time to bring it all together! Return the chicken pieces to the pan along with the cooked linguine and the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything to coat, using the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Touches: Give the dish a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling generous. Serve right away to enjoy the enticing flavors!
Best way to enjoy it
Now, you’ve created a beautiful dish, but let’s talk about serving. I love to serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine right from the skillet for a rustic touch. It’s visually stunning with its creamy sauce and vibrant green parsley. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or you could also offer some crusty garlic bread to mop up that delicious sauce. If you want a little extra zing, consider a lemon wedge on the side—squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the dish just before eating? Divine!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (and that’s a big if, trust me!), storing it is easy. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed, so it doesn’t dry out—it will bring everything back to life!
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish—just be aware that the cream might alter in texture. To do this, store in a freezer-safe container, and it should stay good for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pro chef tips
Choose Your Chicken Wisely: For added flavor, consider marinating your chicken in a bit of lemon juice and spices for an hour before cooking.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic truly makes a difference. The flavor is brighter and more vibrant compared to pre-minced varieties.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk for a healthier spin.
Make It Veggie-Friendly: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients, just before you combine it all.
Play with Spices: If you want more heat, sprinkle in a bit more of those red pepper flakes or even throw in some diced jalapeños for a fun twist.
Creative Twists
Feeling experimental? Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try fresh basil or arugula for a different herbal note that complements well with the creamy sauce.
Protein Play: Swap the chicken for shrimp, or even scallops! Just adjust the cooking time since they’ll cook much faster.
Cheesy Goodness: Try adding different cheeses like Gouda or Pecorino Romano alongside the Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-free Alternative: Substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter option!
Add a Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or pecans for unexpected texture and flavor!
Your questions answered
How long does this take to make? Just about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain or even chickpea pasta works great, too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit the cheese, using nutritional yeast as a substitute for a cheesy taste.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? No problem! You can use vegetable broth, or just stick to the reserved pasta water—it’ll work wonders as well.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and sauce separately in advance, then combine everything shortly before serving for the best results.
Off I go to the kitchen to savor the last bite of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, so embrace every twist. Experiment, have fun, and don’t hesitate to share your adventures in the comments below. Let’s keep this delicious journey going together! Happy cooking!
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting and creamy pasta dish enriched with flavors of garlic, Dijon, and lemon, topped with succulent pieces of chicken and fresh parsley.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Cook Your Pasta
Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Let rest before cutting into pieces.Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.Add Flavor Components
Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Simmer gently while scraping up any bits stuck to the pan.Creamy Sauce Formation
Pour in the heavy cream and half of the parsley. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.Combine All
Return chicken pieces to the pan along with cooked linguine and Parmesan. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water for desired consistency.Final Touches
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 750kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 45g70%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 200mg67%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 70g24%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 15 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 5 IU
- Vitamin K 30 mcg
- Thiamin 10 mg
- Riboflavin 25 mg
- Niacin 20 mg
- Vitamin B6 15 mg
- Folate 5 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 10 mg
- Phosphorus 25 mg
- Magnesium 8 mg
- Zinc 15 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 5 mg
- Manganese 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
