Name: Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Introduction

Enjoy a delicious, creamy dinner with this irresistible Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta that looks smooth and rich, with a light beige sauce coating each noodle. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with slight charring and visible grill marks. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the chicken and pasta, adding a pop of color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
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 skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. 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 browned bits from the pan while gently simmering.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan. Add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 7: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas for different protein options.
Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or whole grain pasta as a substitute for linguine.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level or omit for a milder dish.
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegan cheese alternatives.
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Try fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley for a new flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta, showing about three layers: the bottom layer is long, thick, yellow noodles coated in a smooth white sauce with specks of black pepper; the top layer features several pieces of golden brown grilled chicken with some dark char marks, arranged evenly on the noodles; scattered small, bright green parsley leaves add a fresh touch, placed mainly on and around the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly while staying juicy. You can also substitute with sliced turkey or shrimp for a different protein experience.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve flavor and freshness. Reheat gently for best results.