Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
After a long day of juggling work and family, there’s nothing better than a meal that comes together quickly yet feels special. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine features tender chicken pieces in a creamy, garlicky sauce with fresh herbs and a bright lemony zing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavorful delight.
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
- Step 1: Cook the linguine according to the package directions in salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- 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 from the skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 4: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and simmer gently.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 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.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky depth, try substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Print
Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a bright lemon zest kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal blends savory spices, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese for a delightful weeknight dinner that pleases the entire family.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
Fresh Herbs and Cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: 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.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape browned bits from the pan and gently simmer the sauce.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and add starchy richness.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild spicy kick; omit if desired.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous note.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before removing from the pan.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick chicken recipes, cowboy butter sauce, weeknight meals
