Name: Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines rich flavors with ease of preparation? Look no further than the Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente linguine, all topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family or friends with this delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why make this recipe

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and mouth-watering taste. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish which means less mess to clean up afterward! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine manages to deliver comfort food at its best without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

How to prepare 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

Steps:

Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Don’t forget 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 before cooking 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). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
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 linguine hot, garnished with extra parsley and parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that your guests will love. The rich flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish that can easily become a family favorite.

How to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine perfectly

Make sure to not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; let it sauté only until fragrant.
Use fresh chicken for better flavor and tenderness.
Adjust lemon juice to taste; it adds brightness to the dish.
If you like things spicy, don’t skip the red pepper flakes!

Variations

You can customize this recipe with different proteins such as shrimp or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also give this dish a unique twist. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine it with pasta right before serving.

3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.

By following these easy steps, you’ll have a phenomenal dinner ready in no time. So why wait? Dive into this Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and savor each bite!