Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Savory and Speedy Weeknight Delight ๐๐ฅ๐ค
1. Introduction
Looking for easy dinner ideas not pasta that combine comfort, flavor, and quick preparation? The Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is your perfect solution for busy evenings. This easy cowboy butter chicken pasta dish offers a melt-in-your-mouth chicken coating with a rich, buttery sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Designed for fast week night dinners, itโs an ideal delish dinner that will satisfy even picky eaters. Whether youโre craving chicken options for picky eaters or a quick easy after work dinner, this recipe will become a go-to in your weekly menu.
2. Ingredients for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Preparation of Chicken and Pasta
Begin by boiling water and cooking the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In the meantime, prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sautรฉ the chicken until cooked through and golden. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin as it cooks. Once done, remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combining Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the buttery sauce. Add the cooked linguine, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta absorbs the delicious cowboy butter chicken sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
4. Storage Tips & Serving Suggestions for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. For extra flavor and texture, consider topping with shredded cheese or freshly chopped herbs. Serve this delish dinner with a side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli for a complete meal.
5. Variations & Additional Tips to Enhance Your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Customize this recipe by adding sautรฉed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Using Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker can help prepare refreshing beverages to serve alongside. For quicker prep, leverage the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to chop your vegetables efficiently. This dish is perfect for fall weekday dinners with its hearty flavors and speedy preparation.
6. FAQs about Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything in advance and store separately. Reheat gently on the stove, adding more chicken broth if needed for moisture.
Q2: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta options, such as rice or chickpea pasta, to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Q3: Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu are excellent alternatives that adapt well to this creamy buttery sauce.
7. Related Recipes to Try
8. Recommended Kitchen Gear for Perfect Results
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe offers a swift, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option perfect for fast weeknight dinners. Its combination of tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine makes it an irresistible choice for busy families or anyone seeking easy dinner ideas not pasta. Try this recipe tonight to enjoy a delish dinner that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, making it an ideal fall weekday dinner for everyone to love.
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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for Busy Evenings
- Author: Maria
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and savory weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. This recipe is designed for busy evenings, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that comes together in minutes, perfect for families and busy individuals craving a hearty dish without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the linguine in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sautรฉ chicken until cooked through and golden. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Add heavy cream and cook until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coat in the sauce, then add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together to combine and absorb flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for garnishing to enhance flavor.
- Adjust spice levels with more chili powder if you prefer heat.
- For creamier sauce, add extra heavy cream or cheese.
- Cook and store leftovers separately; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg