Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine comes together in just 30 minutes, delivering a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce with a hint of spice, and perfectly cooked linguine make this meal a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits and let the mixture gently simmer.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the linguine and parmesan cheese, tossing everything together to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, stirring it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Add sliced mushrooms or spinach when sautéing the garlic for extra veggies and texture.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat with more flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, the reserved pasta water works perfectly to add moisture and help create the sauce without losing flavor.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with tender chicken breasts, a luscious buttery garlic sauce infused with Dijon mustard, lemon, and spices, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that combines rich and tangy flavors in a comforting, hearty meal.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta

• 12 ounces linguine pasta

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water, ensuring it cooks al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the linguine aside for later use.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or the reserved pasta water). Scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering the mixture to meld the flavors.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream along with half of the chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to lightly thicken and become creamy.
6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich and delightful flavors of this cowboy butter chicken linguine.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best brightness in the sauce.
• Cook chicken thoroughly until no longer pink inside for safety.
• This recipe can be adapted by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different base flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Make sure not to burn garlic when sautéing, as it can cause bitterness.

Keywords: chicken linguine, cowboy butter sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, garlic butter chicken, stovetop pasta