Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The cowboy butter sauce brings together garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and spices, creating a unique and flavorful experience.

• Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese results in a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

• Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of around 30 minutes, this dish is both convenient and satisfying.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes—adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add vegetables.

• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz linguine pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different twist.

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more nutrients and flavor.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your preference.

• Pasta Options: Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne if linguine is unavailable.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter made with ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and spices, creating a flavorful addition to various dishes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply add it to the sauce to warm through.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this pasta well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon reheating.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delectable fusion of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors that come together in a comforting pasta dish. Its versatility and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken, linguine, and a bold cowboy butter sauce with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and spices. This easy weeknight recipe is rich, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Fusion

Ingredients

12 oz linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tsp lemon juice

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook linguine until al dente per package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic; cook until fragrant. Stir in Dijon, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Pour in cream and add Parmesan, stirring until creamy.

4. Combine: Return chicken to skillet. Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust red pepper flakes for preferred spice level.

• Substitute chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu.

• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more depth.

• Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes as needed.