Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a scrumptious dish that combines juicy chicken and creamy sauce with pasta. It’s an easy recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The blend of spices and buttery goodness make this dish a delightful treat for everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy chicken and pasta in a new and exciting way!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Directions:
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until combined.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything to coat it in the sauce.
- Stir in the parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This dish is best served hot. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A side salad or garlic bread goes well with this meal, making it perfect for a complete dinner.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh look.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to this dish for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the chicken!
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of linguine?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a healthier alternative and works well in this recipe.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I freeze the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
- 8 oz linguine pasta Whole wheat pasta can be used as an alternative.
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Add for a spicy kick if desired.
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh look.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can add more for serving.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until combined.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything to coat it in the sauce.
- Stir in the parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
