Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and sure to impress your family or friends. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs makes this dish bright and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Here are a few reasons to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful: The cowboy butter sauce is rich and flavorful, elevating chicken and pasta to a whole new level.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes and mix in your favorite vegetables if you like.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces linguine (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the linguine
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and cook the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the sliced chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the cowboy butter sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Combine the sauce, chicken, and pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with fresh herbs
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and chives for added freshness. Serve immediately and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This will help the pasta hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley and chives really enhance the flavor, so use them if you can.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite vegetables. For a creamy finish, a splash of heavy cream can be added to the cowboy butter sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta according to your dietary preferences.
2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would all make great additions to the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Just sauté them along with the chicken for added flavor.
Enjoy making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the sliced chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and chives for added freshness. Serve immediately and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
