If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: cowboy butter chicken linguine. This creamy, flavorful concoction is like a warm hug on a plate! Picture tender chicken simmered in a rich butter sauce, tossed with linguine that perfectly absorbs all that goodness. Yum! I remember the first time I made this for my family; the smiles on their faces were priceless! It’s become a go-to for weeknight dinners, and trust me, it’s so easy to whip up. The combination of spices gives it just the right kick, while the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent. You’ll want to dive right in, and I promise, you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz of linguine, cooked and drained according to package instructions
- 1 lb of chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, for that rich, creamy base
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced for a punch of flavor
- 1 tsp of smoked paprika, adding a lovely depth
- 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper, for just the right amount of heat
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream, to create that luscious sauce
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we want everything to shine!
How to Prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—let that starchy goodness cling to it!
- While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. The smell of melting butter will make your kitchen feel like a cozy diner!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sauté these for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic can turn bitter, and we don’t want that!
- Now, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink in the center. You want that chicken to soak up all those amazing flavors!
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, turning everything creamy and dreamy.
- Finally, add your cooked linguine to the skillet and toss it all together until the pasta is well-coated in that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness!
Remember, it’s all about timing and keeping an eye on that chicken—nobody wants undercooked poultry! Also, if you find the sauce a bit too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Rich, bold flavors that will impress your family and friends
- Creamy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy
- Family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy
- Gluten-free option if you choose the right linguine
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
Tips for Success
To make your cowboy butter chicken linguine absolutely perfect, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste—add more cayenne if you like it spicy or skip it altogether for a milder dish. Using leftover chicken is a fantastic time-saver; just toss it in during the last few minutes to heat through. And if you want to elevate this dish even further, consider adding in some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Trust me, a crisp side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the estimated nutritional values for each serving of cowboy butter chicken linguine. You’re looking at about 650 calories, with 35g of fat and 30g of protein, which makes it a hearty meal! It also has around 60g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your products if you’re tracking your intake closely. Enjoy this indulgent dish without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. Just sauté them until golden and follow the same steps for the sauce. It’ll still be creamy and delicious, I promise!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. It’s perfect for a quick lunch!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze cowboy butter chicken linguine! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving can brighten it up. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the dish. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
Serving Suggestions
To make your cowboy butter chicken linguine experience even more delightful, I recommend serving it alongside some crispy garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly! A fresh garden salad is also a fantastic option—think mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some roasted veggies on the side for an extra pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, these simple sides will elevate your meal and make it feel like a restaurant-quality experience right at home!
Imprimer
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken and linguine in a rich cowboy butter sauce.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked linguine and toss to coat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Use leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete dinner.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Pasta
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: cowboy butter chicken linguine
