Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my favorite pasta dishes: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This recipe has stolen a spot in my heart and my dinner rotation—perfectly tender chicken drenched in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce with a zing of lemon, all tossed with linguine. Is your mouth watering yet? It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, and it’s always a hit whenever I serve it to friends and family.
I fondly remember the first time I made this dish; my best friend was visiting, and I wanted to impress her with something delicious yet simple. After the first bite, we both exclaimed, “Wow, this is a winner!” It became our go-to dinner for catching up, laughing, and reminiscing about old times. I even joke that this dish should come with a warning—once you taste it, you’ll be adding it to your weekly meal plan!
What’s in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish sing. Here’s a brief rundown on what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I prefer boneless and skinless chicken breasts; they have a nice texture and cook quickly.
Butter: It’s Cowboy Butter after all! I use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better, and it creates a beautifully rich sauce that’s drool-worthy.
Garlic: I can’t get enough garlic! Fresh minced garlic adds depth and flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of garlic sautéing in butter?
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of various herbs, this adds an aromatic quality without taking over too much. I love using a high-quality brand like McCormick for it.
Linguine: You can’t have Cowboy Butter without some pasta! I adore linguine for its hearty and charming ability to catch the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings that nutty flavor and creamy texture, making every bite even more luscious.
Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Good for You?
Well, that’s the million-dollar question! This dish certainly has its indulgent moments, thanks to the butter and cream. But let’s not forget a few perks:
Chicken: It’s a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Garlic: Known for its health benefits—like boosting the immune system and having anti-inflammatory properties. So, we are kind of winning here!
On the flip side, you might want to enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you’re watching your saturated fat or calorie intake. Pairing it with a side of veggies or a garden salad can balance things out for a more wholesome meal.
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 4 people:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 8 ounces linguine
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Let’s get cookin’! Here’s how to whip up this delightful dish step-by-step:
1. **Cook the Linguine:** Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon juice and allow the mixture to bubble for an additional minute.
5. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with the sliced chicken. Toss to combine all those delicious flavors together. If it looks a bit dry, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
6. **Finish It Off:** Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
7. **Serve:** Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Savory Suggestions to Make it Shine
If you want to take this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to the next level, consider these tips:
– **Add Spinach or Kale:** Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients.
– **Spice it up:** If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it an exciting kick!
– **Herbaceous Twist:** Fresh parsley or basil on top before serving adds a beautiful garnish and fresh flavor.
So, there you have it! I hope you give Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try—it’s as delicious as it sounds and so easy to make! You might just find it becoming a beloved staple at your dinner table too. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out; I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!
