Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that brings the comfort of creamy pasta and savory chicken together, then Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can serve a satisfying dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want to impress without a lot of work!
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
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
This dish is best enjoyed warm straight from the skillet. Serve it in bowls, topped with extra parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the linguine with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as fettuccine or penne.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic and add them to the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute, though the sauce will be less rich.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and delicious meal that combines creamy pasta with savory chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. 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 chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Simmer gently.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the parsley. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Combine All: Return chicken to the pan, add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Final Touches: Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best served warm with extra parsley and parmesan. Can pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables.