Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

There’s something magical about a dish that combines creamy sauce with tender chicken, all tossed in perfectly cooked linguine. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only super easy to whip up, taking only 30 minutes, but it also delivers a punch of flavor that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for a weekday dinner, a cozy family meal, or when you have friends over, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

One of the top reasons to dive into this recipe is its sheer simplicity coupled with impactful flavors. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly. The delightful balance of rich cream, zesty lemon, and garlic gives it a restaurant-worthy flair, pleasing both kids and adults alike. Imagine serving this on a busy weeknight when time is tight – yet you still want to impress everyone around the table.

“I can’t believe how quickly this came together! The flavors were incredible, and my entire family asked for seconds. This is definitely going into our meal rotation!” — A delighted home cook.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this scrumptious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in just half an hour is achievable with a simple step-by-step approach. You’ll find that the process flows smoothly, from cooking the chicken to creating the creamy sauce and finishing with a toss of flavorful pasta. Get ready for a delightful culinary journey!

1. Start by boiling the linguine according to the package instructions and don’t forget to reserve some of that starchy pasta water.
2. Next, you’ll create the chicken in a large skillet (it’s about to get flavorful!).
3. After the chicken is set aside, the magic happens with the Cowboy Butter Sauce, combining all those incredible flavors into a creamy delight.
4. Finally, bring everything together in a beautiful harmony of taste and texture.

What You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients:

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• 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 substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat option if you prefer, though the richness greatly enhances the dish.

Cooking Steps

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before you drain it.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken 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 that same skillet, melt the butter. Add in the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and 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 pasta water). Scrape any browned bits from the pan while gently simmering.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream along with half of the chopped parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Presenting your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can elevate the whole experience! You can serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce or a refreshing green salad for balance. Sprinkle some extra parmesan on top for those cheese aficionados at the table, and perhaps add a slice or two of lemon for that pop of color and freshness.

Best Way to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but be cautious – creamy sauces can change texture once thawed. Always follow safe food handling practices to ensure your meals stay fresh!

Pro Chef Tips

• Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook your linguine; it should be al dente. This helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you find red pepper flakes too spicy, feel free to leave them out altogether or use just a pinch to taste.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Incorporate fresh herbs beyond parsley, like basil or cilantro, for an exciting twist on flavor!

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Consider adding vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. For a completely different flavor profile, swap in a different cheese like feta or goat cheese. You could also use shrimp instead of chicken for seafood lovers!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this dish?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.

Can I substitute the cream for a lighter option?

Yes! You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume them within three days. When reheating, use low heat to avoid separating the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Although it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until the last moment!

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing delightful flavors and comfort right to your table. Enjoy cooking, and more importantly, enjoy every bite!

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry

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Description

A quick and comforting dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and linguine for a flavorful 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 in salted water according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the pan while gently simmering.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese, and toss everything together, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Season with salt and pepper as needed and garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute heavy cream for a lower-fat option if desired. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, linguine, creamy, quick meal