Description
It was one of those busy evenings when I found myself staring blankly into the fridge, wishing for something not just edible, but truly comforting and delicious. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of *Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine*—a dish that promises both ease and flavor in one delightful bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ¼ cup, divided Cowboy Butter
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
- Linguine
- Lemon Slices
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to stay warm.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season them with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown.
- Add Cowboy Butter: Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat. In the same skillet, add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet until everything is melted and well combined.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine and sautéed chicken back into the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Serve with Style: Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine and garnish it with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Perfect Pasta: Ensure your linguine is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness; it should have a slight bite for the best texture.
- Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
- Sauce Scraping: Don't forget to scrape up the browned bits in the pan; they add a depth of flavor that elevates your cowboy butter chicken linguine experience.
- Balance the Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes, but start small to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Zesty Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving enhances the overall flavor, cutting through the creaminess beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate