Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Tender chicken breast is coated in a rich, savory “Cowboy Butter” sauce featuring garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Think of it as a fun, flavorful twist on traditional chicken pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Get everything prepped before you start cooking, it will make the whole process much smoother and faster.
- Step 1: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be firm and slightly resistant when bitten into, not mushy. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. The pasta water is starchy and can help to create a creamier sauce.
- Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Thinly slice the chicken breasts for quicker and more even cooking. Season the chicken slices generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
- Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken slices to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. This should take approximately 5-6 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
- Step 6: Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the melted butter and garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and create a flavorful base for the “Cowboy Butter” sauce.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the Cowboy Butter sauce. This step ensures that the chicken is infused with the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Step 8: Add the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a creamier consistency.
- Step 9: Heat everything through, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Step 10: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal to the dish. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The Cowboy Butter sauce is packed with savory, spicy, and tangy notes.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food: A creamy, satisfying pasta dish that everyone will love.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Customizable: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious Cowboy Butter sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Consider serving with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a much more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamier sauce and bind the ingredients together.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Use good quality butter: Good quality butter will contribute to a richer and more flavorful sauce.
- Add some vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach in the skillet along with the chicken for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use other Proteins: Shrimp, steak or tofu may be a great substitution.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a surefire hit that combines the best of comfort food with a unique, flavorful twist. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable pasta experience! This is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor adventure.
Q&A
Q1: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based alternative like tofu or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it a heartier vegetarian meal.
Q2: How can I adjust the spice level? A: The spice level can be easily adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. If you like it spicier, you can add more of these ingredients or a pinch of chili powder.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the Cowboy Butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and chicken, then toss everything together with the sauce. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce if stored together for a long period of time.
Q5: What can I serve with this dish? A: This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a side of garlic bread are all great options. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
