Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken and creamy pasta in a rich sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a comforting meal that the whole family will love. The flavor of garlic, lemon, and Dijon mustard creates a delightful experience with every bite.

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. Don’t forget 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 before cooking 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 dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese. It goes well with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore some creaminess.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Make sure to slice the chicken into even pieces to cook evenly.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can swap chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a different protein option. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used to fit your dietary needs.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare and enjoy this dish fresh. However, you can pre-cook the chicken and pasta and assemble them later to save time.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes! You can portion it into meal prep containers. Just store the sauce and pasta separately to keep them from getting mushy.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

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