Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for busy families. The creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and lemon will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy chicken and pasta together in a satisfying and flavorful meal.

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. 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. Cook 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 warm, straight from the skillet. It’s perfect on its own or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. A sprinkle of extra parmesan on top adds a lovely finishing touch.

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. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce creamy.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for quicker cooking.
• Reserve more pasta water if you like a creamier sauce.
• Feel free to add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Variation

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat linguine?

   • Yes! Whole wheat linguine works well and adds extra fiber to the dish.

2. Is there a dairy-free option?

   • You can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free version.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

   • Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat!

This delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy the flavors and the smiles it brings!

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