Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a bold, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and a kick of spice. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Zesty Flavors – Infused with garlic, lemon, and spices for a rich taste.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Creamy and Comforting – Buttery sauce coats the pasta perfectly.
- Customizable Heat – Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Linguine pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the buttery sauce.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the butter sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well as substitutes.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great in this recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil for best results.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes! Parmesan or shredded mozzarella can be mixed in for a cheesier texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining to keep it from clumping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chicken in advance to save time.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for butter?
Use dairy-free butter or olive oil as a substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply adjust ingredient quantities to serve more people.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a simple yet bold dish that brings together creamy, garlicky, and spicy flavors in one comforting meal. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious, one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tender rice cooked in a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and pineapple chunks, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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