Description: This recipe combines the richness of cowboy butter with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special. The creamy, flavorful sauce is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, and the combination of spices adds a delightful kick.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite to it. Al dente pasta holds its shape better when tossed with the sauce and chicken. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later if it needs thinning.
Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken: Season cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. You can also marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes before cooking, which will make it even more tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
Step 4: Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add softened butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth. It’s important to use softened butter to ensure the sauce comes together smoothly. If the butter is too cold, it won’t emulsify properly.
Step 5: Add Flavors: Add lemon juice, grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Stir for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter and cream. The Parmesan cheese contributes to the sauce’s creamy texture and adds a salty, umami flavor. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice.
Step 6: Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through. Make sure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 7: Serve: Divide among plates, garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired, and serve hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese add visual appeal and enhance the flavors of the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it an instant favorite. The creamy, rich cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan perfectly complements the tender, seasoned chicken. The dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The addition of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper (optional) adds a subtle smoky heat, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. This recipe is also versatile; you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. The combination of comfort food elements with a touch of gourmet flair makes this dish a winner for family dinners and casual gatherings alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley makes a great finishing touch.
- Consider serving with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine pasta.
- The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner. The recipe is adaptable to suit your taste preferences, and the ingredients are readily available. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious bowl of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While linguine is a great choice for this recipe, you can certainly substitute it with other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well.
Q2: Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I don’t have any on hand?
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half as a substitute for heavy cream. It will still provide a creamy texture to the sauce, although it might not be as rich as using heavy cream. You can also use milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
Q3: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Definitely! If you enjoy spicy food, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or include some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve this dish immediately, you can prepare some of the components in advance. For example, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through.
Q5: What vegetables would go well with this dish?
A: Many vegetables pair well with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Some great options include bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and broccoli. You can sauté the vegetables and add them to the sauce along with the chicken and pasta.
