Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy pasta dish that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, bold seasonings, and rich butter sauce, all tossed with fresh linguine. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should choose Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine over other pasta recipes. First, it offers a fantastic blend of flavors that excite your taste buds. Second, it’s a one-pan meal that saves you time on cleanup. Finally, it’s quick to make, so you can serve a restaurant-quality meal in your own home in less than 30 minutes!
How to Make Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
- ½ oz (14 g) linguine (or pasta of choice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Pasta Preparation:
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook linguine until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining.Chicken Seasoning and Searing:
Coat the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.Sauce Creation:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Then, whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives to create a vibrant sauce.Combining Elements:
Return the linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing gently with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to help achieve a smooth, glossy coating. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix everything together.Serving:
Garnish your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve it hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve your Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in shallow bowls. Add some extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side. This presentation not only looks appealing but also allows each person to personalize their meal with an extra squeeze of lemon.
How to Store Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of pasta water or a little more butter to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Zesty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness.
- Adjust Spice: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, leave them out.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic make a big difference in flavor, so opt for these whenever possible.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. You may also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
Q2: Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar nutty flavor.
Q3: How do I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together.
Enjoy making and sharing this flavorful, comforting dish wherever you go!
