If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t take hours to prepare, you’ve landed in the right place. Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines succulent chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine to make a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to pull together. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a comforting dinner that your whole family will love.
Why We Love This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor. You’ll love how the rich and creamy sauce complements tender pieces of chicken, creating an incredibly satisfying dish. The balance of ingredients—like the fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and vibrant parsley—ensures that every bite is packed with flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to make it your own based on what you have in your pantry. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s so tasty, you might even want to serve it for special occasions!
Ingredients about Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
To whip up this delightful dish, gather the following 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
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Directions
Follow these straightforward steps to create your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Cook Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the linguine. Make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for al dente perfection. Before draining the pasta, ladle out ½ cup of the cooking water as you will need it later to adjust the sauce. Once drained, set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your chicken breasts on both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat. Next, add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown. It’s a vital step as you want to develop the flavors without burning the garlic.
- Add Flavor Components: Pour in the Dijon mustard, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Then, add your chicken broth or the reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any tasty brown bits stuck there to build a rich sauce. Let this mixture gently simmer for a few minutes.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir everything together and continue to heat for another 2 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine All: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Then, add the cooked linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Before serving, garnish with the remaining parsley and sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Serving this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just as easy as making it! To elevate your dish, plate it generously, ensuring each serving gets a lovely drizzle of the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Consider garnishing with more fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair your meal with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate. The combination of textures and flavors will ensure it’s a hit at your dinner table. Serve it alongside your favorite beverage for the perfect meal!
Expert Tips: Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, try to use fresh garlic and parsley. Dried herbs and garlic powders won’t impart the same fresh taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when cooking your linguine. This not only prevents mushy pasta but also allows it to cling better to the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re cautious about spice, consider omitting the red pepper flakes or using them sparingly. You can always add a dash at the end if you want a little heat.
- Make It Ahead: While this dish is quick to whip up, you could prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just reheat it when ready to serve and cook your pasta fresh to enjoy it hot.
- Experiment With Proteins: If you’re looking for variety, swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly!
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Variation of Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is versatile, allowing for a range of variations based on your palate:
- Veggie-Loaded: Toss in your favorite vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers along with the sauce for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
- Add Herbs: Consider adding other fresh herbs besides parsley, such as basil or thyme, for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Varieties: Instead of parmesan, experiment with other cheeses like pecorino or even a bit of mozzarella for added creaminess.
- Citrus Twist: You might swap out the lemon juice and zest for lime for a different citrusy” zing.” It pairs surprisingly well with the creamy elements.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces combined with a creamy, flavorful sauce, spaghetti-like linguine pasta, and the richness of butter and cream—perfect for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes!
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, making it a breeze to finish the dish anytime you want to serve it. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad or warming garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables can complement the meal beautifully as well.
Is this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, allowing you to adjust the level of spice to your preference. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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 Fresh garlic recommended for the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste for spiciness
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh lemon juice recommended
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Reserve some for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese More for serving if desired
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust based on preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Start boiling a pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions for al dente, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, saute for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the brown bits. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Continue to heat for another 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining and Serving
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with remaining parsley and more parmesan before serving.
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