why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy pasta and seasoned chicken. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that the whole family will love. The rich, buttery sauce with hints of garlic and lemon elevates the simple ingredients to a whole new level. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe makes use of readily available ingredients and is sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that’s bound to impress.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients :

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces linguine (about ¾ of a standard 16 oz box)
4 quarts water, salted generously for boiling
½ cup reserved pasta water (set aside after cooking)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Extra grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges
Freshly cracked black pepper
Additional parsley

Directions :

Cook the Linguine: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt in the water will season the pasta and enhance its flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook until it is al dente, which typically takes about 9 to 11 minutes. To ensure perfect texture, check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. When it’s ready, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine in a colander. After draining, you can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. In a bowl, combine the bite-sized cubes of boneless, skinless chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mix for maximum flavor. This part is essential as it creates that delicious, flavorful base for our dish.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece open; there should be no pink in the center. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and cover it to keep warm. Set it aside as you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and in the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it brings out the wonderful aroma of the garlic and adds depth to our sauce. Now, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture well to combine. Then, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened; this will create a creamy and indulgent base for our chicken and pasta. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as that can affect its texture.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything gently using tongs to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This is a handy tip to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Finish and Garnish: Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color to your dish. Before serving, feel free to garnish with additional parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges and extra grated Parmesan on the side for those who prefer a cheesier meal.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best served warm immediately after preparing it. Plate the creamy pasta generously, ensuring each plate gets a good portion of chicken and sauce. For a more appealing presentation, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy some spice, and freshly cracked black pepper. A wedge of lemon on the side can enhance the flavors even further, allowing diners to add a splash of fresh lemon juice to their taste. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the pasta.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, given how delicious this dish is), you can store them for later. Allow the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Ensure you don’t overcook the linguine. Cook it right until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Chicken Evenness: For even cooking, try to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and avoid any undercooked pieces.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh parsley and garlic for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can greatly enhance the dish’s taste and aroma compared to dried alternatives.
Cheese Choice: While freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for its melting ability and flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne or red pepper flakes.

variation (if any)

There are several ways you can modify this recipe to cater to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables until tender and follow the same cooking steps for the sauce.
Protein Alternatives: Feel free to use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a different protein source. If using seafood, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they cook much quicker than chicken.
Zoodle Linguine: For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of traditional linguine. Just keep in mind that zoodles need less cooking time compared to regular pasta.
Spicy Variation: Add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicier kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta used.

2. What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light white wine can also enhance the dining experience.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider reducing the amount of butter and cream, or substitute them with yogurt or light cream for a lower-calorie version. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or broccoli to the mix.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, keep in mind that the cream sauce may not maintain its original texture after defrosting. If you choose to freeze it, store in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 months.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Keep it in the fridge for up to a day and reheat it when you’re ready to mix it with the pasta and chicken. Just be sure to adjust the consistency with some reserved pasta water when combining.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful dish featuring creamy pasta and seasoned chicken, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces linguine
4 quarts water, salted generously for boiling
½ cup reserved pasta water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Extra grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges
Freshly cracked black pepper
Additional parsley

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and toss with olive oil.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, add chicken, and cook for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
Prepare the Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return chicken and linguine to the skillet, toss to combine with sauce, adding reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Finish and Garnish: Stir in chopped parsley and garnish with extra parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Perfect for busy nights; better served immediately with a side of salad or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, weeknight dinner, quick recipe