There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of linguine tossed with tender chicken and a rich, buttery sauce. I remember the first time I stumbled upon Cowboy Butter, and oh, it was like sunshine on my plate! The name might make you think of cowboys rustling cattle, but trust me, this dish is all about the joy and comfort of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply satisfy your own cravings, this recipe is a culinary hug that’ll wrap you up in warmth and flavor. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine this: a creamy, garlicky sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, tossed with juicy chicken, all done in just 30 minutes. Why settle for less when you can whip up something that feels like a gourmet meal without the fuss? The beauty of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its simplicity yet profound flavor. The garlic and butter work in tandem, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of linguine, while the brightness from the lemon zest dances on your palate, making every bite a delight.
Plus, it’s a versatile dish! Want to crank up the heat? Toss in those red pepper flakes! Or perhaps you’re feeling extra fancy? Add a sprinkle of crispy pancetta on top just before serving. You’ll have a dish that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Just imagine your loved ones gathered around the table, mouths watering, as the rich aroma wafts from the kitchen. This dish doesn’t just fill stomachs; it fills hearts.
Gather these key ingredients
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Chicken Breasts: For this dish, 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts is just perfect. These little beauties soak up flavors beautifully and will be cooked to juicy perfection. You can also substitute with thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
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Linguine Pasta: You’ll need 12 ounces of linguine—its long, thin shape is perfect for catching that creamy sauce. If you’ve got gluten-free pasta on hand, feel free to make that swap.
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Olive Oil and Butter: Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. The oil adds depth while the butter brings that irresistible richness. You could use ghee as a substitute if you’re looking for a lactose-free option.
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Garlic: Four cloves, minced to unleash their garlicky goodness! This is where the magic starts; don’t skimp out!
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Dijon Mustard, Paprika, and Red Pepper Flakes: One tablespoon of Dijon and a teaspoon of paprika create the sauce’s base flavor. If you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes are your ticket—just opt for less if you’re feeling cautious.
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Lemon Juice and Zest: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of zest for that bright contrast to the creamy sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
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Fresh Parsley: Chop up ¼ cup for a fresh, herbal note. It adds a lovely speckled green color and tastes great too!
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Chicken Broth or Pasta Water: Use ½ cup of chicken broth or that reserved pasta water! If you’re out of either, vegetable broth works just as well.
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Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Finish off with 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan for a sauce that’s ultra-creamy. You can substitute with a dairy-free cream if needed.
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Salt and Black Pepper: To taste; they’ll help bring all those flavors to life.
How this recipe comes together
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water—it’ll be your sauce’s secret weapon!
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Cook the Chicken: While your pasta bubbles away, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
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Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In that same skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Add in the minced garlic, paprika, and the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant—here’s where the kitchen starts smelling like heaven!
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Incorporate the Flavor Components: Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your chicken broth (or some reserved pasta water). Remember to scrape any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; that’s pure flavor gold.
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Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and toss in half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce starts to lightly thicken.
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Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan and add in the cooked linguine, along with the parmesan cheese. Toss it all together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach that creamy, luscious consistency.
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Final Touches: Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. When you’re satisfied, garnish with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan before diving in!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is ready, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty! A generous portion in a vibrant bowl, with a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper and a side of crusty garlic bread, will elevate your dining experience. I like to pair this with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. An icy cold glass of white wine? Yes, please! Think Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Pinot Grigio to complement those buttery, citrus notes.
Keeping leftovers fresh
So, what happens if you have leftovers? First off, lucky you! To store, simply place it in an airtight container in the fridge where it’ll keep for about 3 days. If you need to reheat, a quick trip in the microwave will do the trick—just add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen up that sauce. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month; just be aware that the texture might shift a bit once thawed.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t skip on seasoning: A little salt and pepper can make a world of difference, especially in dishes like this where flavors meld together.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap the parsley for basil or chives for a unique twist and an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the heat: If you love spice, bump up the red pepper flakes or try adding a dash of hot sauce directly to the sauce.
- Toast your spices: When you sauté the garlic and spices, take that extra minute to let them toast in the butter—it’s like giving them a flavor spa day!
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider some variations! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms if you’re in the mood for something plant-based. Want more greens? Throw in some spinach or peas at the end for a pop of color. You can also play with different pasta shapes like fettuccine or even zoodles for a low-carb option!
Your questions answered
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready to eat. -
What if I’m lactose intolerant?
You can easily substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor. -
How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for that extra heat! -
Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?
You absolutely can! Just use a third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. -
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in single portions for an easy, grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
Many people talk about comfort food but often forget how cooking can be a joyful, shared experience. Dive into this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, and not only will you enjoy a delicious meal but you’ll also feel the warmth of home in every bite. As you try it out, don’t hesitate to tweak and experiment, because this dish is all about expression! So go ahead, cook up a storm and share your delicious adventures in the comments. Happy cooking!
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Description
A delicious and creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that combines tender chicken with a rich buttery sauce in just 30 minutes.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Pasta Cooking
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Chicken Preparation
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Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
Making the Sauce
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Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes for about a minute until fragrant. -
Incorporate Flavor Components
Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or pasta water). Scrape bits off the pan. -
Creamy Sauce Formation
Pour in heavy cream and half of the parsley. Stir for 2 minutes until sauce starts to thicken.
Combine and Serve
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Combine Everything
Return chicken to pan and add cooked linguine along with Parmesan cheese. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. -
Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 750kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 50g77%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 12 mg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 30 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
