Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy sauce and delightful flavors. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that brings the family together without taking hours in the kitchen. Whenever I whip up this recipe, I’m always met with smiles and satisfied sighs, as the buttery, garlic-infused sauce pairs wonderfully with tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. If you’re looking for a quick fix that satisfies both adults and kids alike, this dish is your answer!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a fantastic blend of convenience and flavor. In just around 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal prepared that will leave everyone wanting more. The creamy cowboy butter sauce—a delightful concoction of butter, garlic, and spices—will make your taste buds dance. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and uses straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a stress-free option for those busy weeknights.

“This meal is incredible! I made it for my family, and they all went for seconds. The creamy sauce is to die for—definitely saved in my favorites!”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a breeze! Here’s a snapshot of the steps involved: start by cooking the linguine pasta while you sauté the chicken. Once the chicken is golden, you’ll whip up the savory cowboy butter sauce, toss in the cooked pasta, and finish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. It’s as simple as that! Below, you’ll find the ingredient list and precise steps for cooking this delectable dish.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to recreate this delicious recipe:

• 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

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these steps to bring your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to life:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional 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 the mixture gently simmers.
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 chicken to the pan and add the linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Final Touches: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors right away!

Tips for Serving

For the best presentation, serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a bowl topped with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair it with a side salad of fresh greens or garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing complement to this rich dish.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh longer, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While convenient, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen. If you do freeze it, make sure to consume it within a month for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Chef Tips

• Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut your chicken breasts into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved starchy water is golden—it helps to create a silky sauce without adding too much extra liquid.
• Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh parsley and good-quality parmesan; they elevate the dish’s flavor immensely.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to consider:

• Swap the Proteins: Try shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes can add extra nutrition and flavor.
• Mix Up the Flavors: Experiment with different herbs or spices, such as basil or oregano, for a unique spin.

Helpful FAQs

How long does it take to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

This dish is quick and easy, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can pre-cook the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the sauce and pasta.

What should I do if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and sour cream for a lighter version, keeping in mind that it may alter the richness of the sauce.

With its quick preparation and rich flavors, Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and creamy chicken linguine dish that combines buttery, garlic-infused sauce with tender chicken for a family-friendly meal in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but not browned).
4. 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 the mixture gently simmers.
5. 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. Return the chicken to the pan and add the linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors right away!

Notes

For best results, serve topped with extra parmesan and parsley. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, cowboy butter