Description: This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines the creamy, spicy, and savory flavors of cowboy butter with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp cowboy butter (or homemade mix: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp fresh lemon juice, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, ½ tsp chopped fresh parsley, pinch of smoked paprika)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Get Started by cooking the pasta according to package directions. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and add the linguine. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. To prevent sticking, you can toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce. In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, melt the cowboy butter over medium heat. If you are making your own cowboy butter, melt the unsalted butter first, then add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Cowboy Butter Sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Add Cheese to the sauce. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Combine everything together. Add the cooked linguine and seared chicken back to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Bake (Optional). If desired, transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to a greased baking dish. Top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve. Remove the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from the oven (if you baked it). Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors makes it incredibly satisfying. The cowboy butter sauce, with its blend of garlic, Dijon, lemon, and red pepper flakes, adds a unique and exciting dimension to the dish. It’s a comforting yet flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the option to bake it with extra cheese adds a delicious, melty topping that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus provide a healthy side dish.
- A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can add an extra kick of heat.
- A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially fresh parsley and lemon juice.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you don’t have cowboy butter on hand, the homemade mix is a great substitute. You can also buy premade cowboy butter from many specialty food stores.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, don’t overcook it. It should be cooked through but still juicy.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out.
- This dish can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving. Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: ~690
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors is irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for linguine, you can easily substitute other types of pasta such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will hold the creamy sauce well.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and add some sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you like your food with a kick, there are several ways to make this recipe spicier. You can add more red pepper flakes to the cowboy butter sauce, or you can use a spicier variety of chili flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce or garnish the dish with some sliced jalapeños.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also prepare the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and combine everything together. However, it’s best to add the cheese just before serving to ensure it’s melted and creamy.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: While you can freeze leftovers, it’s not highly recommended as the pasta and creamy sauce may change texture upon thawing. The sauce might separate and the pasta could become mushy. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.
