Description
Cowboy butter chicken linguine merges Western American and Indian culinary traditions in one powerful pasta dish. Spicy, creamy sauce coats tender chicken and linguine, inviting diners to savor complex global flavors with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine (or pasta of choice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then carefully lower linguine into the bubbling liquid. Cook according to package instructions until pasta achieves an al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Liquid Preservation: Before straining the linguine, extract a cup of the starchy cooking water, reserving it for potential sauce refinement. Drain the pasta in a colander, giving it a gentle shake to remove excess moisture.
- Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat, incorporating minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeños. Sauté until the aromatics become fragrant and slightly translucent, releasing their vibrant flavors.
- Protein Integration: Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with cowboy-inspired spice blend. Cook thoroughly, ensuring each piece is golden and cooked through, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Sauce Composition: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to blend with the chicken and spices. Introduce shredded cheddar and grated parmesan, allowing the cheeses to melt smoothly and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Final Assembly: Gently fold the cooked linguine into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Toss until every strand is lavishly coated with the rich, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional jalapeños over the dish. Transfer to serving plates, presenting a vibrant and indulgent cowboy-style pasta experience.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Water: Salt the water generously to create a flavorful base that seasons the pasta from within, ensuring each strand is well-seasoned before mixing with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Liquid Wisely: Retain a cup of starchy cooking water, which acts as a magical emulsifier to help bind the sauce smoothly, adjust consistency, and add depth to the final dish.
- Timing is Critical: Cook linguine precisely to al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes, to maintain a slight resistance when biting, preventing mushy or overly soft pasta that can ruin the dish’s texture.
- Drain and Quick Toss: Immediately transfer hot pasta to the sauce after draining, allowing the linguine to absorb flavors and preventing clumping, creating a more cohesive and delicious cowboy butter chicken experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg