Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
340 grams linguine
02 -
450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 -
15 ml olive oil
04 -
115 grams unsalted butter
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
07 -
30 ml fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 -
15 ml fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
09 -
5 ml red pepper flakes, or to taste
10 -
120 ml reserved pasta water
11 -
Salt, to taste
12 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 -
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 240 ml of the pasta water. Drain the linguine and set aside.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 15 ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 115 grams unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and 5 ml red pepper flakes, then sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
04 -
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, 30 ml chopped fresh parsley, and 15 ml fresh cilantro (if using). Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper.
05 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and 120 ml of the reserved pasta water. Toss all ingredients together vigorously until the sauce slightly thickens and beautifully coats the pasta and chicken. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate an additional splash of pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Crucial for a glossy sauce, the starches in the reserved pasta water aid in emulsifying the butter and lemon juice, ensuring a silky consistency that clings perfectly to the linguine.
02 -
The red pepper flakes provide a significant kick. Adjust the quantity to suit your preference for spice; reduce for a milder flavor or increase for more heat.
03 -
For a more complete meal, incorporate a handful of fresh spinach at the final stage until wilted, or sauté sliced mushrooms or bell peppers alongside the chicken.
04 -
This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with pan-seared shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.