Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy and flavorful dish that brings together the rich tastes of butter, chicken, and pasta in a way that will excite your taste buds. This delightful recipe melds tender chicken pieces with a luscious sauce, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine showcases a harmony of ingredients that come together to create a delicious and hearty plate of goodness.
Why We Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. The combination of tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine offers a blend of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up a fantastic dish without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for two, this dish promises satisfaction and smiles at the table.
Ingredients about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To whip up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your linguine pasta into the water. Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, which typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
While the pasta is cooking, take a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add them to the skillet, cooking until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Next, reduce the heat on your skillet to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pour in the heavy cream, add the unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece gets nicely coated in that creamy sauce. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the delicious sauce.
To finish, fold in the fresh parsley, chives, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This addition gives the dish an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Serve immediately on warm plates, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese and additional herbs if desired.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
When it comes to serving your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, presentation matters! You may want to use a large serving bowl or individual plates. Start by plating generous portions of the creamy pasta and chicken mixture. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
For a complete meal, consider pairing your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can offset the richness of the pasta and chicken, creating a balanced meal. You could also serve some crusty bread on the side to help soak up the remaining delicious sauce.
Expert Tips: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To elevate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine experience, keep these simple tips in mind. First, you can adjust the level of spice to your liking. If you love a good kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce or omit these spices completely.
Using fresh ingredients will make a remarkable difference in the overall flavor of your dish. Hence, if available, opt for fresh herbs rather than dried ones. Fresh parsley and chives will lend more brightness compared to their dried counterparts.
Timing is also crucial for the best results. When cooking your pasta, ensure not to overcook it; al dente is the ideal goal, as this helps the pasta hold up well in the creamy sauce. Lastly, remember that the sauce will thicken as it cooks. If it becomes too thick, a splash of chicken broth or pasta water can help loosen it for a perfect consistency.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store any leftovers of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the portioned pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, your delicious meal will remain fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore that creamy texture.
Variation of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
While the traditional Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a winner on its own, you can easily switch things up based on your preferences! Consider adding vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. For example, you can sauté some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the chicken for a heartier dish.
If you’re looking for a twist, you might experiment with different types of pasta. Penne or fettuccine work well for this creamy sauce too. For those avoiding carbohydrates, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can serve as an excellent substitute.
Another fun idea is to introduce different proteins. Shrimp or salmon can create a seafood twist on this pasta dish, while chickpeas can offer a hearty vegetarian option, bringing you a protein-packed meal without the meat.
FAQ
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and a medley of seasonings, combined with linguine pasta.
How can I customize Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? You can customize Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine by adding your favorite vegetables, using different pasta types, or even swapping out chicken for seafood or vegetarian proteins like chickpeas.
How do I store leftovers of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? To store leftovers, let the dish cool, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? You can serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicy? Yes! You can adjust the spiciness of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine by adding more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.