Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
An easy and delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared then tossed with linguine in a rich, creamy cowboy butter sauce featuring garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a splash of lemon for brightness. This hearty pasta dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and buttery flavors for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
For the Sauce
- 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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 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, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate rich flavor while gently simmering the mixture.
- 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, creating a luscious creamy texture.
- Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency for ideal creaminess.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful, rich flavors of this creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine.
Notes
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce and improve its adherence to the pasta.
- Sauté garlic until just fragrant and avoid browning to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to tailor the spice level according to your preference, or omit entirely for a mild version.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy sauce texture.
- For freezing, store pasta and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture when reheated.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, easy pasta recipe, family-friendly dinner
