Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Bold, Buttery Feast That Warms the Soul!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured with love:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
I lay it all out and feel like I’m about to whip up something epic. This serves 4—perfect for a family feast or leftovers if I’m extra hungry. It’s my blueprint for a bold, buttery meal. I always check my fridge first—my hack to avoid mid-cook scrambles. Nothing’s worse than missing butter halfway through, right? Keeps me cool and ready to roll.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Let’s dive in with gusto!—bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Add 8 oz linguine pasta—cook per package until al dente, about 8-10 minutes (my kitchen’s humming!). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water—set aside (my counter’s ready!). Chewy and perfect—pasta’s done (my heart’s happy!). It’s the twirlable start—pure comfort base!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium—melt ¼ cup unsalted butter (my kitchen’s sizzling!). Season 3–4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper—cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Remove to a cutting board—let rest 5 minutes (my excitement’s climbing!). Juicy and bronzed—chicken’s set (my heart’s full!). It’s the hearty core—pure skillet joy!
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining ¼ cup butter—stir in 4 minced garlic cloves (my nose is in love!). Sauté 1 minute until fragrant—add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon cayenne (my hands are dancing!). Stir until blended—spicy and smooth (my anticipation’s soaring!). Sauce is born—bold and buttery (my heart’s leaping!). It’s the fiery soul—pure flavor glow!
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet—toss to coat in the sauce (my kitchen’s vibrant!). If too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time (my table’s waiting!). Glossy and saucy—pasta’s ready (my heart’s singing!). It’s the grand mix—pure harmony unfolding!
Step 5: Slice and Combine
Slice the rested chicken into strips—nestle over the linguine (my kitchen’s a bistro!). Toss gently to warm through—every piece coated (my counter’s a feast!). Tender and bold—dish is set (my heart’s content!). It’s the final union—pure rustic love!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Scoop into plates—serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy (my kitchen’s glowing!). Dig in—share or savor solo (my table’s a party!). Warm and zesty—dinner’s here (my heart’s thrilled!). It’s the big finish—total linguine bliss!