Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fantastic dish that brings together juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The dish features a delightful cowboy butter sauce that combines the richness of butter and cream with zesty lemon and minced garlic, ensuring every bite is delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 dish hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Make sure to season the chicken well for the best flavor.
• Try to reserve that pasta water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
• If you like a little kick, use the optional red pepper flakes.
• Choose fresh parsley for better taste and presentation.

variation

You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different flavor. You can also add vegetables, like spinach or cherry tomatoes, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat linguine?
Yes! Whole wheat linguine can be a great healthier alternative that adds fiber to the dish.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy.

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