Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt; 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.25 teaspoon pepper; 0.25 cup cowboy butter, divided (4 tablespoons / 57 g); 0.75 cup heavy cream (178.5 g); 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice; lemon slices (for garnish); parsley, chopped (for garnish); 8 ounces linguine

Introduction to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that brings a hearty twist to your weeknight dinners. Imagine tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce, served on a bed of perfectly cooked linguine. It's comfort food elevated, making it an instant hit for both casual meals and gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. You can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavors that Pop: The combination of cowboy butter, heavy cream, and a hint of lemon creates a sauce that’s both zesty and comforting. This dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table. You can check out more about cowboy butter and its versatility here.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is easily scalable. Plus, you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein for a personalized touch.

Cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding, and this cowboy butter chicken linguine encapsulates that perfectly. Next time you're in need of a quick yet satisfying meal, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Creating a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is all about using the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through this flavorful dish.

Essential ingredients for a flavorful dish

To truly capture the essence of this dish, here's what you'll need:

Linguine: 8 ounces for a perfect pasta foundation.
Chicken Breast: 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons will give your chicken that lovely golden crust.
Spices: A blend of ½ teaspoon paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and a dash of black pepper adds depth to the chicken flavor.
Cowboy Butter: ¼ cup is a key to a rich, buttery sauce. Learn more about Cowboy Butter here.
Heavy Cream: ¾ cup for creaminess that complements the spices beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon if you’re craving a little heat.
Lemon Juice and Slices: A splash of acidity brightens the dish up, while slices make for a gorgeous garnish.

Optional garnishes to elevate the meal

Elevate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine experience with these optional garnishes:

Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Lemon Slices: Not only for appearance but also for a burst of flavor when squeezed over the dish.

Adding these small touches will make your meal not only more delicious but visually stunning as well!

Preparing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cooking can often feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it becomes a delightful experience! Let’s dive into preparing your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that will impress even the toughest critics at the dinner table. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a mouthwatering meal in no time!

Boil the linguine

First things first! You want to set the foundation for your cowboy butter chicken linguine by boiling the perfect pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add 8 ounces of linguine to the pot.
Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for that al dente texture.
Once cooked, make sure to drain your pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! Keeping a little bit of starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling better.

This part is crucial, as the linguine will be the comforting base of your dish!

Sauté the chicken to perfection

Now, let’s move on to the star of our recipe – the chicken. You want juicy, flavorful bites that really bring this dish to life.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces. Spread them out in a single layer.
Sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a dash of pepper.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on one side. Flipping to the other side, add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter and cook until the chicken is brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Prepare the cowboy butter sauce

With the chicken sizzling away, let’s make the sauce that ties everything together.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter (2 tablespoons), ¾ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir it well, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss!

Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time for the big merger!

Add the linguine and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together in that rich, buttery sauce.
Finish with a splash of lemon juice to brighten up those flavors! Give it a good stir to combine.

Serve and enjoy!

You’re almost there! Now, it’s time to plate your cowboy butter chicken linguine.

Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley.
Take a moment to appreciate the color and aroma—your hard work has paid off!

Dig in and savor the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is comforting yet sophisticated, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy your meal and share it with friends or family so they can enjoy the deliciousness, too!

Variations on Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Looking to turn up the heat? Try adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your cowboy butter chicken linguine. The added kick not only spices things up but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite an adventure. For a smoky twist, consider adding a dash of chipotle powder to the cowboy butter sauce. You'll experience a delightful blend of heat and richness that will satisfy spicy food lovers.

Vegetarian Options for a Lighter Dish

If you're in the mood for something lighter, try substituting the chicken with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut milk. This adjustment not only caters to vegetarian diets but maintains the enticing essence of cowboy butter chicken linguine. The result is a vibrant, veggie-packed dish that is equally satisfying and delicious! For more inspiration, check out vegetarian pasta recipes.

Cooking notes for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Tips for selecting the best chicken

When making your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and ease of cooking. Look for chicken that is bright pink, with no signs of browning or unpleasant odor. If possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken for added flavor and quality. For accurate cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Adjusting the spice levels for your taste

Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own! Love a kick? Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne. Prefer it milder? Simply reduce the amount of red pepper or leave it out altogether. This flexibility ensures your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is perfect for you and anyone you’re serving!

For more inspiration on flavor balancing, check out this guide on spices.

Serving suggestions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Pairings for a complete meal

To elevate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into a full dining experience, consider pairing it with a light side salad. A fresh arugula or spinach salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the buttery richness of the pasta. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch. If you're in the mood for something heartier, roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus can add color and nutrition to your plate.

Creative plating ideas

Presentation is key! For an eye-catching finish, twirl the linguine into a nest shape using tongs and place the chicken on top. Drizzle the remaining cowboy butter sauce over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a pop of color and hint of heat. Remember, we eat with our eyes first—making your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine as visually appealing as it is delicious!

Time Details for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you're wondering how long it takes to whip up this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, here's a quick breakdown:

Preparation Time

In just 10 minutes, you can gather your ingredients and prep your chicken and pasta.

Cooking Time

The magic happens in the pan, and in only 15 minutes, your dish will be perfectly cooked and ready to impress.

Total Time

From start to finish, you’ll spend 25 minutes creating this savory, hearty meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Now that you know the timing, get ready to indulge in some flavorful comfort food! If you're looking for more time-efficient recipes, check out these delicious options.

Nutritional Information for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Calories Per Serving

Each serving of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine contains approximately 761 calories. This hearty meal is rich in flavors and satisfying, perfect for a fulfilling dinner.

Protein and Carbs Breakdown

In this mouth-watering dish, you'll get around 57 grams of protein and 70 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The tender chicken contributes significantly to the protein content, while the linguine provides a comforting source of energy.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe can easily be adjusted for various dietary needs. For those looking to lighten up, consider using whole grain linguine or a gluten-free alternative. If you need to watch your calorie intake, reduce the amount of cowboy butter or heavy cream. Be sure to check the specific nutritional content of your ingredient choices for the best results.

For more insights on healthy eating or to explore low-calorie alternatives, check out resources from the Mayo Clinic. Happy cooking!

FAQs about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fantastic choice for meal prepping. Simply cook the pasta and chicken as per the recipe, then combine everything in portioned containers. This dish stays delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, so you can have a flavorful meal ready to go for your busy week ahead!

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you're looking to lighten things up or need a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or a silken tofu blended with almond milk. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt can also substitute, making the dish creamy without the added calories. Just stir it in on low heat to keep it smooth and velvety.

How can I customize the flavors?

This dish is super versatile! Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, or introduce a hint of sweetness with a touch of honey or maple syrup. You can also toss in veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for added color and nutrients. Experiment with herbs such as basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. Your creativity is the limit!

Conclusion on Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This cowboy butter chicken linguine is a must-try for young professionals seeking quick, delicious meals. With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. The zesty, creamy sauce elevates a weeknight dinner into something special without requiring extensive culinary skills.