Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy Comfort in 30 Minutes
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and creamy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With rich flavors and comforting ingredients, this pasta dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The combination of chicken, spices, and creamy sauce makes each bite a true delight.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you will find this one irresistibly tasty. It’s also versatile—you can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Plus, who can say no to a dish that combines butter and chicken in a delightful way?
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these simple steps to whip up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and enjoy a hearty meal in no time!
Ingredients
- 12 oz Linguine (Any long pasta can be used as a substitute.)
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (Thighs can add extra juiciness.)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (Any neutral oil serves as a suitable replacement.)
- 2 Tbsp Butter (Vegan butter is a great dairy-free option.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Opt for fresh garlic for a bolder taste.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Shallots can be a fresh alternative.)
- 1 tsp Paprika (Smoked paprika gives a smoky twist.)
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Adjust according to your preference.)
- to taste Salt (Season to your liking.)
- to taste Pepper (Season to your liking.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Coconut cream works for a dairy-free choice.)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish.)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (Lime juice offers a delightful twist.)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard serves as a backup.)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast is a useful vegan alternative.)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (Basil can provide a unique herbal flavor.)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well coated.
Garnish: Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. 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. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet on low heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter option, try using half and half instead of heavy cream.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any long pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, as a substitute for linguine.
2. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream and vegan butter in place of heavy cream and regular butter.
3. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and chicken and make the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Enjoy making this easy and comforting Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Linguine (Any long pasta can be used as a substitute.)
Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (Thighs can add extra juiciness.)
Cooking Oils
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (Any neutral oil serves as a suitable replacement.)
- 2 Tbsp Butter (Vegan butter is a great dairy-free option.)
Spices
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Opt for fresh garlic for a bolder taste.)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Shallots can be a fresh alternative.)
- 1 tsp Paprika (Smoked paprika gives a smoky twist.)
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Adjust according to your preference.)
- to taste Salt (Season to your liking.)
- to taste Pepper (Season to your liking.)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Coconut cream works for a dairy-free choice.)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish.)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (Lime juice offers a delightful twist.)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard serves as a backup.)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast is a useful vegan alternative.)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (Basil can provide a unique herbal flavor.)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combining Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well coated.
Garnishing
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
