Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

After a long day, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect quick and comforting meal. Tender chicken and linguine pasta come together in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious dinner that feels special without the fuss.

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 the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked 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 5–7 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 any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering the mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the 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 seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Reserve pasta water carefully—it helps to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute linguine with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti based on your preference or what you have available.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. For the parmesan, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 68 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and comforting weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender boneless chicken breasts are sautéed and combined with linguine pasta tossed in a creamy, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. The sauce is rich yet bright with a hint of spice and zest, perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels special without any fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

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

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce gently simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich and flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with reserved pasta water to make the sauce naturally flavorful.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for no spice.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
• For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy butter chicken, creamy linguine, quick chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, garlic butter sauce, weeknight meals