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oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

4.9 from 5 reviews

This irresistibly easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful cowboy butter sauce, perfectly tossed with linguine pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

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

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 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: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside for later use.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: 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. Add Flavor Components: 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 to combine flavors.
  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 thickens slightly.
  6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
  7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and ease of preparation.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
  • Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note; substitute with basil or cilantro if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative but expect a thinner sauce.
  • Make sure not to burn garlic when sautéing, as it can turn bitter.
  • This recipe can be paired nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

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