Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a delicious meal that can be whipped up quickly, look no further than Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, all in one 30-minute recipe. It’s a comforting and tasty dinner option the entire family will love!
Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only easy and quick to prepare, but it also packs a punch with flavor. The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and a zesty kick from lemon juice creates a delightful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup afterward!
How to Prepare Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these simple steps to have a fabulous meal on the table in just half an hour.
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 delicious dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to help revive the sauce.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Perfectly
- Don’t overcook the chicken, or it may become dry. It should be golden brown on the outside and juicy inside.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Always reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
Variations
- For a healthier twist, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Substitute shrimp or turkey for chicken if you prefer a different protein.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta right before you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, although the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Enjoy making and savoring your Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
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Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine 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 directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter, add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Simmer gently and scrape any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley, stirring gently for an additional 2 minutes until sauce lightly thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan, add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve hot with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American