Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

If you’re searching for a quick and delicious dinner that feels a bit indulgent, then this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your answer! This creamy, flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich buttery sauce, all in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into why this dish is the perfect choice for your next meal!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this recipe apart from the countless others in the vast world of pasta dishes? For starters, it embodies convenience without sacrificing flavor. You’ll savor every bite of chicken and linguine coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s bursting with zest from lemon and freshness from parsley.

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a great option for picky eaters, as kids will often be drawn to its creamy texture and familiar flavors. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or an entertaining get-together with friends.

“It’s incredibly quick and bursting with flavor! My kids loved it, and I loved how easy it was to make.” – A satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

This dish encompasses everything from cooking the pasta to creating that mouthwatering sauce and combining all the elements perfectly. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:

1. Boil linguine in salted water and reserve some pasta water.
2. Sauté seasoned chicken until golden.
3. Make the buttery sauce with garlic, mustard, lemon, and broth.
4. Stir in cream and cheese for richness before combining everything together.

Now, let’s get into the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable meal!

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Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll require the following essentials:

• 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

Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different dietary preferences.

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine according to package directions. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining it. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but don’t let it brown.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the browned bits off the pan for extra flavor and gently simmer.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Add the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley into the skillet. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked linguine along with the parmesan cheese. Toss everything to evenly coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor!

Best Way to Serve

Presenting this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is all about enhancing its already delightful appeal. Consider serving it in a bowl garnished with extra parsley and parmesan for a fresh touch. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread makes for a fantastic accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a rare occurrence, trust me!), here’s how to store them properly:

1. Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
3. Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw if frozen and reheat in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to retain the sauce’s original creamy texture.

Expert Advice

Make your cooking experience even better with these handy tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to keep the chicken moist.
• Pasta Timing is Key: As soon as your linguine is al dente, drain and reserve the water immediately to maintain optimal texture.
• Add a Splash of Wine: For an added layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.

Creative Twists

Want to change things up? Here are some variations to evoke different flavors:

• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for heat.
• Herb Up: Try substituting the parsley with fresh basil or chives for a unique twist.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and taste.

Helpful FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though the consistency might differ.

How long does this take to prep?

You can have everything prepped in under 10 minutes, making this a truly quick recipe!

Now that you have all the insights and know-how to make this dish, grab your cooking gear and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

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Description

A quick and delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine cooked in 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Simmer gently, scraping browned bits from the pan.
5. Add heavy cream and half the chopped parsley. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return chicken to the pan and add cooked linguine along with parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
7. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For a variation, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Serve with a green salad and garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, quick dinner, creamy sauce, weeknight meal