Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up? Let me introduce you to my Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dinners with chicken, combining bold flavors and a creamy sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for quick family dinners, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking for easy pasta recipes that pack a punch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy garlic pasta sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner for two.
- Can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for 30-minute meals!
Ingredients
To make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz linguine
- Salted water, for boiling
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Bring It All Together: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in that luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the dish, such as spinach or bell peppers, for a nutritious boost.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, consider using whole wheat linguine or a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- For a little extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it helps to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
How to Serve
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic herb roasted veggies in 30 minutes for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a delightful evening!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then toss with freshly cooked linguine. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine tonight and enjoy a delicious, creamy garlic pasta that will surely impress your family. It’s one of those easy and healthy dinners that you’ll want to make again and again!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 8 oz linguine
- Salted water, for boiling Salted water for boiling pasta
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Season chicken with spices and sear until cooked through.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce by melting butter with garlic, broth, cream, Parmesan, mustard, lemon, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce; toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.