Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce perfectly coat linguine for a comforting meal that’s easy enough for any weeknight.

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 according to the package directions in salted boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 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. 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 browned bits from the pan while gently simmering the sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can use yellow mustard or a small amount of whole grain mustard as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 141 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon. Tossed together with perfectly cooked linguine and fresh parsley, this hearty yet elegant dish delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes—perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: zara
• 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 and Pasta

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces linguine pasta

Butter 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
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or the reserved pasta water. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom while gently simmering the sauce.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Reserving pasta water is essential to help adjust sauce consistency and ensure it coats the linguine perfectly.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
• Chicken breasts can be sliced before cooking for quicker cooking time and more even pieces.
• The sauce can be made dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a dairy-free butter alternative.

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