There’s something incredibly comforting about the smells wafting through your kitchen when you decide to whip up a home-cooked meal. Picture this: tender chicken sizzling in a buttery sauce, mingling with perfectly cooked linguine that’s just waiting to soak up all that creamy goodness. When I first experimented with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe, it took me less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave something more than takeout.
With its zesty flavors and rich creaminess, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, the straightforward ingredients and simple steps allow you to create a delightful meal that looks as fantastic as it tastes. So gather around the table, because this creamy cowboy butter sauce is about to elevate your pasta game and impress everyone you serve!
Why love this Oven Baked Chicken Linguine?
Quick and Easy: This dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Flavors: The cowboy butter sauce envelops each strand of linguine in a luscious, zesty embrace.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or protein, like shrimp or tofu, adapting the recipe to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: With its hearty ingredients, this dish will have your family and friends coming back for seconds!
Looking for a veggie option? Check out my Coconut Peach Chicken for a fresh twist.
Oven Baked Chicken Linguine Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish!
For the Pasta
• Linguine – The perfect base for the creamy cowboy butter sauce; can be substituted with spaghetti or penne.
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender bites; alternatively, use chicken thighs or shrimp for variety.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
• Cowboy Butter – The star ingredient that provides rich, savory flavor; consider mixing garlic butter with herbs and cayenne if in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream – Ensures a lush, creamy texture; no substitutes recommended for that irresistible creaminess.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a delightful level of heat; feel free to adjust according to your preference.
• Lemon Juice and Lemon Slices – Fresh lemon brightens up the overall flavor; always aim for fresh for the best zest.
For Garnish
• Parsley – Complements the dish with color and a fresh taste; sprinkle generously for a vibrant finish.
These ingredients come together to create a memorable Oven Baked Chicken Linguine that embodies comfort and simplicity, all in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Linguine
- Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the linguine for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing it to mix harmoniously with the sauce later.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned boneless skinless chicken pieces, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
- Incorporate the cowboy butter into the skillet, flip the chicken to ensure even coating. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
- Reduce the heat, then add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir until well combined, scraping any delicious browned bits from the pan.
- Return the linguine and warm chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand in that creamy sauce. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, stirring again before serving it beautifully garnished with parsley and lemon slices for that perfect touch.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Linguine
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente; overcooked pasta becomes mushy and won’t hold the creamy sauce well.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking; this avoids any undercooked or dry spots.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining; adding a splash can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it thickens too much.
- Adjust spice levels: Experiment with crushed red pepper flakes; start with a little and increase gradually to suit your heat preference for this oven baked chicken linguine.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the parsley—it brings color and a fresh flavor pop that beautifully complements the creamy sauce!
- Store Right: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; reheating gently with a splash of cream keeps the sauce luscious.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Transform your tasty linguine into a delightful feast by pairing it with these crowd-pleasing sides!
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the linguine’s richness.
- Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the decadent pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers enhance the meal’s comfort factor while adding fantastic flavor depth.
- Steamed Broccoli: The crisp tenderness of broccoli complements the creamy sauce, adding a nutritious touch and a pop of color.
- Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can be a fun way to bring crunch and acidity, helping to balance the rich dish beautifully.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This fizzy drink adds a cheerful touch, its bright citrus notes elevating the entire meal’s flavor experience.
Oven Baked Chicken Linguine Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish and make it truly your own with these delightful swaps and additions!
- Seafood Upgrade: Swap out chicken for shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood twist; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and add in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vibrant veggie-packed alternative.
- Spiced-Up: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat; they’ll make each bite exciting and bold.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for an aromatic lift that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Whole Grain: Use whole wheat linguine for a healthier base that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber; the creamy sauce pairs wonderfully!
- Cheesy Bliss: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan or cream cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of indulgent creaminess; it’s simply divine!
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts as a topping for a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest into the sauce for an even brighter finish; it elevates your dish to the next level!
How to Store and Freeze Oven Baked Chicken Linguine
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Oven Baked Chicken Linguine in a suitable airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat your dish on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of heavy cream or water to ensure the sauce remains creamy and delicious.
Serving Tip: When serving leftovers, garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon slices helps elevate the dish and bring back that delightful presentation!
Oven Baked Chicken Linguine Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right linguine for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting linguine, look for pasta that feels firm and slightly rough to the touch—this enhances sauce adherence. Avoid packages with any broken strands or dark spots, which might indicate age. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily swap linguine for other types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti without losing any deliciousness!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any remaining Oven Baked Chicken Linguine in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain its creamy consistency, I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s richness.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your Oven Baked Chicken Linguine, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container. You can store it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream or reserved pasta water to keep that creamy coating smooth.
What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly?
No worries! To ensure even cooking of the chicken, cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly. If you notice any pieces that are still pink in the center, simply return them to the skillet and let them cook for an additional minute or two until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very much so! This Oven Baked Chicken Linguine could easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative, which is widely available. If you have guests with dairy allergies, consider using a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, though keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly. Always double-check ingredient labels to cater to any specific allergies!
What can I do if my sauce turns out too thick?
No problem! If your creamy cowboy butter sauce is thicker than desired, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Start by adding a bit of reserved water back to the sauce while reheating; this will help thin it out and keep the desired creamy texture without dulling the flavors.
Oven Baked Chicken Linguine Recipe FAQs
Irresistibly Easy Oven Baked Chicken Linguine Delight
Equipment
- large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz Linguine Can be substituted with spaghetti or penne
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup Cowboy Butter Star ingredient for rich flavor
- 1 cup Heavy Cream No substitutes recommended
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to preference
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Always use fresh for best flavor
- 1 slices Lemon For garnish
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup Parsley Sprinkle generously for color
Instructions
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the linguine for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned boneless skinless chicken pieces, cooking for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Incorporate the cowboy butter into the skillet, flip the chicken to ensure coating and continue cooking until fully cooked through, about another 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat, then add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Return the linguine and warm chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, stirring again before serving beautifully garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Leave a Comment