Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that will take your taste buds on an exciting journey. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy sauce to create a meal that is both quick and delicious. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a comforting plate of pasta that everyone will love.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The blend of ingredients brings warmth and excitement to your dinner table. With easy steps and easily accessible ingredients, this dish proves that cooking at home can be enjoyable and rewarding.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are countless reasons to love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
- Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. You can have a delightful meal ready in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices gives the chicken and pasta a rich taste that everyone will adore. The creamy sauce adds a comforting touch that makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile: This dish is easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can change up the ingredients, add vegetables, or switch up the proteins to create different versions of this dish.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults enjoy this recipe, making it ideal for family dinners. The creamy sauce and tender chicken will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Impressive Presentation: Despite being easy to make, this dish looks exquisite. The vibrant colors of the parsley and the creamy sauce will impress your guests and make your meal feel special.
In short, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines incredible flavors with a quick cooking time, perfect for any occasion.
HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare this dish, you will need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet (for cooking chicken and sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving bowl and utensils
Ingredients You’ll Need
You will need the following ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook Pasta: Start by boiling the linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Once done, 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. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Allow it to simmer gently and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, then cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!
HOW TO SERVE Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is simple. You can place the pasta and chicken in a large serving bowl. Make sure to drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for an extra kick of flavor.
For a decorative touch, sprinkle extra parsley and parmesan cheese on top. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. Enjoy your meal while it’s warm!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce.
If you want to freeze this dish, it is best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. You can store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cooked pasta does not freeze well, so it’s better to prepare that fresh when you are ready to eat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- With a Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette goes perfectly with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Vegetable Sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables make a great side dish to add color and nutrition.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay complements this dish beautifully.
VARIATIONS
You can customize Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in various ways:
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add Veggies: Mix in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Different Cheese: Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. You can also cut into the chicken and check that the juices run clear.
4. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano, or spices like cumin for extra flavor.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, here are some tips:
- Prep Ingredients: Chop garlic, measure out spices, and cut chicken ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- Cook Chicken in Advance: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it. When you are ready to make the dish, simply heat it in the skillet to make the sauce and combine.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: The sauce can be made ahead of time. Just reheat it on low heat and add in the pasta and chicken.
- Pasta Tips: If you’re cooking pasta ahead, consider undercooking it slightly. It will finish cooking when combined with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
With these steps, you can enjoy a quick and easy homemade meal that you’ve prepped in advance!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
This rich, buttery pasta is perfect alongside our Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet for butter chicken enthusiasts who want different serving styles. For more garlic-forward options, pair it with our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta to create a complete Italian feast. The quick 30-minute preparation also makes it an excellent companion to our quick easy homemade butter chicken recipe for busy weeknight cooking.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling the linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Once done, set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Allow it to simmer gently and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, then cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding the reserved pasta water as needed.
- Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.