Welcome to My Kitchen!
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a dish that’s packed with flavor and is super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight—Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Trust me; this creamy pasta will quickly become a family favorite. It’s delicious, comforting, and has that little kick from the Cajun seasoning that makes every bite exciting!
Nutritional Benefits of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also provides a great balance of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the linguine. The heavy cream and butter create a rich sauce, but don’t fret—using whole ingredients allows you to enjoy an indulgent meal without compromising too much on health. Plus, you can add fresh parsley for a burst of vitamins and minerals!
Fun Variations to Try
- Swap the Chicken: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, this recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Change the Pasta: Whole wheat linguine or gluten-free pasta will make this dish suitable for various dietary needs.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning or toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Make it Lighter: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you want a lighter dish.
Let’s Get Cooking: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast (sliced into strips)
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or your own blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in your linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of that pasta water before draining!
- Prepare the Chicken: While your pasta cooks, let’s season those chicken strips. Sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s nice and browned, around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In that same skillet, let’s reduce the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. You’re going to love how this smells!
- Add Cream and Cheese: Now pour in the heavy cream and stir to mix it all together. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring until it’s melted and smooth. If it seems thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Time to make the magic happen! Add the cooked linguine and chicken strips back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and chicken in that luscious creamy sauce.
- Season to Taste: Give it a taste with love! Adjust seasonings if needed; I like adding a splash of lemon juice for a little brightness. It really balances out the richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in that fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Remember, pasta can be delicate! Make sure not to overcook it. Al dente is perfect for absorbing that yummy sauce without becoming mushy.
- You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and warm it through when you’re ready to make the dish for a quicker prep!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, just let it cook a bit longer to reduce further. Just keep an eye on it!
- Leftovers? Store any unconsumed dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition—just sauté them in the same pan with the chicken!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A measuring cup for liquids
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, just be sure to properly thaw it first for even cooking!
- What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? No worries! You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply replace the chicken with your favorite sautéed vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth!
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients beforehand and cook just before serving.
- Is it ok to use light cream instead of heavy cream? Yes, but it may not be as rich and creamy!
Join the Cooking Fun!
So, are you ready to create this creamy, flavor-packed Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t forget to share your delicious results on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
