Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

There’s something undeniably delightful about a plate of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it perfectly combines the creamy richness of a butter sauce with the zesty brightness of lemon, all in just 30 minutes. Whether you are preparing dinner for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this dish strikes the right balance between comfort food and gourmet experience. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine apart is its unmatched convenience paired with bold flavors. It checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal: quick to prepare, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, cozy family dinners, or even last-minute entertaining. The fact that it can be prepared in just 30 minutes makes it a godsend for anyone juggling a packed schedule.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly I could whip this up! The flavor is just incredible—definitely my new go-to for busy nights!”

This dish uses simple ingredients that are often on hand, meaning you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty linguine creates a comforting meal that’s kid-approved and sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is straightforward and utterly rewarding. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step. Start by boiling your linguine while you cook the chicken, followed by preparing the sauce, and then combining everything for a rich, creamy delight.

Here’s what you can expect: cook pasta, brown the chicken, whip up a creamy sauce, and bring it all together in one luscious dish. The entire process is seamless, making this a stress-free recipe for home cooks of all levels!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this dish, you will need the following 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

Feel free to customize by substituting the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist. You can also reduce the heavy cream for a lighter version while still keeping the creaminess!

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Combine All: Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked linguine, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.

7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.

Best Way to Serve

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best served hot, right out of the skillet. For an elevated presentation, consider scattering fresh parsley on top and drizzling with a bit more olive oil or lemon juice. Pair it with a simple side salad featuring arugula and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing complement to the rich flavors. Crusty bread on the side would also be fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! To store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the pasta seems dry. While I don’t recommend freezing, you can meal prep by cooking the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately, and then combining with freshly cooked pasta.

Expert Advice

For the best results, ensure your chicken is cooked just until it’s no longer pink in the center. Overcooking can lead to dry meat. Also, remember that the pasta should be al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water; it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency!

Creative Twists

While this dish is wonderful as is, you could add an Italian flair by including sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. Feeling adventurous? Substitute the chicken for shrimp or even roasted vegetables for a hearty, plant-based version. You might also experiment with different herbs, like basil or thyme, to give it a unique twist that suits your personal taste.

Your Questions Answered

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

This dish easily comes together in about 30 minutes, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer for the best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine with pasta when ready to serve.

Remember, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not just a meal; it’s a delicious experience that you and your loved ones will relish! Dive in and enjoy all the comforting flavors packed into this simple yet enchanting dish!

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 delightful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that combines creamy butter sauce with zesty lemon, ready 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 instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked linguine, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream. Feel free to substitute chicken for shrimp or tofu.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Linguine, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta