If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and can be whipped up in a flash, then cowboy butter chicken linguine is your new best friend! Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce with a smoky kick from paprika and just the right amount of heat from cayenne. It’s like a hearty cowboy meal with a delightful Italian twist! And the best part? You can have this comforting pasta on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families who still want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this one’s a winner!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz linguine: This is the perfect pasta for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You’ll want to cook it al dente for that perfect bite!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Fresh chicken breast works best here; make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1/4 cup butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich and creamy base. It’s the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality!
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch. I love to use a garlic press for the perfect mince!
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: This gives the dish that irresistible smoky flavor that really brings out the cowboy vibe.
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: Adjust this to your spice tolerance! It adds a nice kick, but you can always start with less and add more later.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy sauce. Don’t substitute with low-fat options here; we want all that richness!
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to your sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s low sodium if you’re watching your salt.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but adds a fresh herbaceous note to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning! Don’t forget to taste as you go to get that perfect balance.
How to Prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Alright, let’s get cooking! This cowboy butter chicken linguine is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of butter. Let it melt and get bubbly, oh that smell is heavenly!
- Next, toss in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Now, add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir to coat everything in those flavors!
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, then stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, give it one last toss, and voila! Your cowboy butter chicken linguine is ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up even on the busiest of nights!
- Flavorful with a cowboy twist: The combination of buttery richness and smoky spices makes every bite a taste of the wild west.
- Gluten-free option: Simply swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
- Perfect for busy weeknights: It’s a one-pan dish that’s not only satisfying but also requires minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cowboy butter chicken linguine turns out absolutely perfect every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Adjust the spice levels: If you’re not sure about the heat, start with a little less cayenne pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicy!
- Check the chicken: Make sure your diced chicken is fully cooked through. It should be golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; it should register at least 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t skip the parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the rich flavors of the dish. It’s a small step that makes a big impact!
- Serve it up right: This dish is amazing on its own, but you can elevate it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing!
- Make it your own: Feel free to throw in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes if you have them on hand. They’ll add some freshness and color to your plate!
- Prep ahead: You can dice the chicken and mince the garlic ahead of time to make the cooking process even quicker. Just keep everything stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this hearty cowboy butter chicken linguine. This is a comforting meal that also packs a punch when it comes to satisfying your hunger! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. But no matter the numbers, you can feel good about serving this delicious dish that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries about cowboy butter chicken linguine, answered just for you.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for this dish, you can swap it out for any pasta you love—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you want a different flavor profile, try adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go!
What can I serve with it?
This cowboy butter chicken linguine is a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. The options are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cowboy butter chicken linguine keeps well and makes for a fabulous meal the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it so every bite tastes just as good as when you first made it!
To store, simply transfer any leftover linguine to an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of heavy cream to keep things creamy and prevent sticking. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave! Just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot. Just remember, the key is to reheat gently to keep that delicious flavor intact!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta and Creamy Chicken Pasta.
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes of Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful chicken pasta dish with a cowboy twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in cooked linguine and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
- This dish can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine
