Short Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish that combines tender chicken bites with perfectly cooked linguine, all coated in a luscious cowboy butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve to guests. The combination of rich butter, flavorful spices, and a hint of lemon creates a truly unforgettable pasta experience.
Ingredients:
→ Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
→ Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
→ Sauce
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add chicken in a single layer. Season chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
Step 3: Nestle 2 tablespoons cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip pieces of chicken and cook until browned and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, another 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pan. Place onto a plate and tent to keep warm.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Add the rest of the cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Scrape up brown bits in the pan using a spatula, stirring until the butter has melted.
Step 6: Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 7: Add lemon juice and stir to combine. Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a surefire hit for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The cowboy butter sauce is the star of the show, delivering a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love this dish, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and fresh garnishes make this dish visually appealing, perfect for serving to guests.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
- Pair with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad, for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, cheesier flavor.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is cooked through but still juicy and tender.
- Use High-Quality Cowboy Butter: The quality of your cowboy butter will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use a brand you trust or make your own from scratch.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce. Be sure to cook the linguine al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your household. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that is both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!
Q&A About This Recipe
Q1: What is cowboy butter?
A: Cowboy butter is a flavored butter that typically includes a blend of herbs, spices, garlic, and sometimes citrus. It adds a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor to dishes.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute linguine with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything together.
Q4: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to make the dish even more nutritious and flavorful. Just add them to the skillet when you add the sauce ingredients.
