Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, it’s a comforting pasta dish everyone will love.

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 package directions in salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté 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 pan bottom and simmer gently.
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 chicken to the skillet, add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thigh meat for juicier results.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but reduce cooking time to avoid curdling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti if you don’t have linguine on hand. Cooking times may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, like chicken broth, are gluten-free as well.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

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

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Description

A quick and creamy linguine dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and parmesan cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner packed with flavorful ingredients and easy preparation.

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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 (divided)

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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, then set the pasta aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. 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.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Combine All: 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 adjust the sauce’s consistency.
7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother texture.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; add them to taste for a bit of heat.
• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and presentation.
• Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
• Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so season carefully at the end.

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

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