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; Salt and black pepper to taste; 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

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Introduction

Enjoy a rich and creamy dinner with this irresistibly easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken, flavorful butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta as the base layer, coated in a light orange sauce with a smooth, slightly thick texture. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken breast, browned with char marks and a crispy surface, arranged unevenly but covering most of the pasta. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the chicken and sauce, adding a fresh contrast. The bowl sits on 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: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 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 from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté 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 and simmer gently.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Reserve some pasta water to loosen and help the sauce cling to the linguine perfectly.
Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level, omitting for mild or adding more for heat.
For leftovers, add a splash of milk or water when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Freeze sauce and pasta separately to preserve texture when storing for later.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk or water to the sauce to maintain its creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze the sauce and pasta separately for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta coated in a thick, light orange sauce as the bottom layer, topped with medium-sized, grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with char marks, arranged scattered evenly. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top of the chicken, adding a touch of vibrant color. The dish sits against a white marbled texture background, highlighting the food's warm and rich tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.