Description
Cowboy butter chicken linguine combines bold Western flavors with creamy Italian pasta traditions. Rich, spicy sauce coats tender chicken and linguine, creating a hearty meal perfect for ranch-style dining experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
- ½ oz (14 g) linguine (or pasta of choice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve a small amount of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
- Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Coat chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives to form a vibrant sauce.
- Combining Elements: Return linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing gently with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, glossy coating. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and integrate thoroughly.
- Serving: Garnish with additional Parmesan shavings, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to linguine, preventing dryness and enhancing overall flavor integration.
- Master Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly massage spices into chicken to ensure deep flavor penetration and even coating, which develops a rich, complex taste profile before cooking.
- Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, ensuring the meat remains juicy and develops a flavorful crust.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and smoked paprika quantities to match personal heat tolerance, allowing flexible adaptation for different spice preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg