Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and a creamy, garlicky sauce come together with linguine to create a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.

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 ½ cup of the pasta water and 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 black pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from 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, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
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 and let the mixture simmer gently.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the linguine and grated parmesan cheese, tossing everything together to coat well. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Step 7: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk or use a blend of cream and sour cream.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for more depth.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed, adjusting cooking time as per package instructions.
• Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat—adjust according to your preference.

Storage

Store any 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 cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds flavor thanks to the starch released during cooking.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines comforting textures with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a delicious, hearty dinner.

• Author: Marco
• 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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

• 12 ounces linguine pasta

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 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
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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, then set the pasta 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 pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the 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 to develop flavor.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked linguine, and sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful cowboy butter flavors.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen and adjust the sauce consistency later.
• Use chicken broth as an alternative to pasta water for added richness in the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes are optional but add a mild kick; adjust quantity to your spice preference.
• Fresh parsley is best for garnish and fresh flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option.

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