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why make this recipe
This Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta makes it a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
how to make Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and cubing the chicken.
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finish with parsley and lemon juice.
how to serve Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra lemon juice for freshness. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
tips to make Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure to season your chicken well with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the chicken while sautéing.
- For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
variation
You can switch out chicken for shrimp or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mix for extra nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a bit of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking the garlic for an extra kick.
Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A deliciously comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce served over linguine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and cubing the chicken.
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finish with parsley and lemon juice.
Notes
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.