The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine offers a rich, creamy dish with a slight kick of spice. The tender chicken breast slices mixed with buttery, garlicky sauce over linguine create a mouthwatering comfort meal perfect for any occasion. The dish has the right balance of richness and zest, thanks to the garlic, mustard, and lemon that bring bold, complementary flavors to the forefront.
This recipe can easily be customized to your liking. Add more heat by increasing the cayenne or make it milder by reducing the amount of mustard. You can also swap linguine for any pasta of your choice or even add some sautéed veggies to give it an extra punch of nutrition. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will surely satisfy your cravings for a comforting, indulgent pasta dish.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 lb linguine pasta
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
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1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
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Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.
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While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a smoother sauce.
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Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 600 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Food Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level. This hearty, creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked linguine, and a mouthwatering cowboy butter sauce, making it an irresistible option for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe promises a flavorful experience that everyone will love.
What Makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Stand Out?
The appeal of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The dish is rich and creamy, with a spicy kick from cayenne and paprika, making it the ideal combination of heat and indulgence. But what truly makes this recipe stand out is the cowboy butter sauce—a concoction of butter, garlic, mustard, and herbs—which brings all the ingredients together in a harmonious, unforgettable way. The buttery, garlicky sauce coats the linguine, creating a savory base that perfectly complements the tender chicken and the slight heat from the spices.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the level of heat or swapping out ingredients. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even serve the pasta with a sprinkle of crispy bacon for added crunch and flavor. Whatever variation you choose, this dish always delivers a comforting and satisfying meal.
A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is its versatility. It’s perfect for a busy weekday dinner when you want something quick and delicious but also works wonderfully for more formal occasions like dinner parties or family gatherings. The creamy butter sauce and tender chicken are sure to impress guests, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.
Additionally, the ingredients are relatively simple and easy to find, which makes it accessible for both seasoned home cooks and beginners. The recipe requires minimal preparation time, and the cooking process is straightforward, which means you can create an amazing dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients come together in less than 40 minutes, and the result is a flavorful meal that feels like a treat.
Health Benefits of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
While this recipe is undeniably indulgent, it also offers several health benefits, particularly when it comes to protein content. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making them a great addition to any meal for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. Protein is essential for various body functions, including immune support, enzyme production, and hormone regulation.
The butter sauce, while rich, is made with healthy unsalted butter and olive oil, providing a good balance of fats. Olive oil, in particular, is a healthy fat source known for its heart-healthy properties due to its high content of monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Furthermore, the herbs like thyme, parsley, and garlic are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation in the body. Garlic has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may contribute to improved cardiovascular health. The addition of mustard brings an extra burst of flavor, and it’s also a good source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Although this recipe is not exactly low-calorie, it can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. You can also make substitutions, such as using whole wheat linguine for added fiber or opting for a lighter version of the butter sauce if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Tips for Success
Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a simple process, but a few tips can ensure that you get the best results every time:
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Cook the Chicken Just Right: When cooking the chicken breasts, make sure they’re golden brown on both sides but not overcooked. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough. For tender, juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
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Don’t Skimp on the Butter Sauce: The cowboy butter sauce is the star of this recipe, so don’t rush through this step. Allow the butter and garlic to sauté together slowly to release all the aromatic flavors. The combination of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs creates a rich and tangy sauce that will coat the pasta and chicken beautifully.
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Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor: Fresh thyme, parsley, and garlic can elevate the flavors of the dish significantly. While dried herbs are acceptable in a pinch, fresh herbs will provide the most vibrant and fragrant taste. Make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the sauce for the best texture and flavor.
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Reserve Pasta Water: When draining the linguine, save a little pasta water. It can be added to the sauce if it gets too thick, helping to create a smoother, silkier finish. The starchy pasta water also helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
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Serve Immediately for Best Results: While this dish is delicious, the sauce is at its creamiest when served fresh. Don’t wait too long before serving to ensure the sauce maintains its perfect consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is such a beloved recipe. First, it combines the richness of butter and cream with a touch of spice, making it the ultimate comfort food. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the linguine absorbs all the delicious sauce for a satisfying bite in every forkful. The dish is balanced—rich but not overwhelming—making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.
Moreover, the recipe is straightforward, which means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, flavorful dinner ready to serve. It’s a quick yet satisfying dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the best of creamy, buttery goodness with a hint of spice. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests at a dinner party. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily whip up this meal in under 40 minutes. Plus, the health benefits of lean chicken, olive oil, and fresh herbs make it a balanced choice when enjoyed in moderation.
This recipe is sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire, providing a delicious and comforting meal that never fails to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply craving something rich and flavorful, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect dish to add to your meal plan.