Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and creamy pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. The best part? You don’t need to sacrifice taste for speed. This dish is packed with flavor from garlic, butter, and lemon. Plus, it brings a comforting, hearty feel that everyone will love!

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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. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then 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, and 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 Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to make it a complete meal. You can also sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite!

how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you have leftovers, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Make sure to not overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein option.
• For extra flavor, try adding vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers.

variation

If you want a lighter version, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can replace linguine with any pasta you like, such as penne or spaghetti.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or omit it altogether for a simpler flavor.

Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

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