Are you ready to whip up a delicious, comforting meal in just half an hour? The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not only irresistibly tasty but also exceptionally easy to make. This dish offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering. Trust me, once you experience the robust flavors and creamy texture of this dish, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

When you need a meal that strikes the perfect balance between quick, delicious, and satisfying, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is it! This recipe is a true gem for several reasons. First, it’s a 30-minute dish – yes, you read that right! It’s ideal for those hectic weekdays when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the creamy sauce, infused with garlic and lemon, elevates the flavors, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults. You can easily scale it up or down, making it versatile for intimate family dinners or gatherings with friends.

"This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is my new go-to for weeknight dinners! It’s such a hit with my kids, and I love how quick and easy it is to prepare!" — Sarah M., a satisfied home cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Preparing your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through the steps. We’ll start by boiling the pasta, followed by cooking the chicken to golden perfection. Then we’ll create the luscious Cowboy Butter sauce that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary flavor. In just five steps, you’ll have a complete meal on the table that everyone will love!

What You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, gather 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 substitute with whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist or use chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor.

Directions to Follow

Boil the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set it aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and any red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Don’t forget to scrape those tasty brown bits off the pan for extra flavor!
Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, then toss in the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Mix everything together, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with the reserved pasta water as needed.
Final Touches: Taste and add more salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with the remaining parsley and some extra parmesan. Serve immediately to enjoy those delightful flavors!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving! Try plating it up in deep bowls for a rustic feel and pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest can add a refreshing brightness, while a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but be cautious not to overheat as the creamy sauce can separate. You can also freeze portions for up to a month; just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Chicken Cooking Tip: To ensure even cooking, try cutting the chicken breast into smaller pieces or thin slices to speed up cooking time.
Pasta Water Charm: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! It’s a great secret for achieving that perfect sauce consistency.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor depth!

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to consider:

Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein punch.
Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Kick it up a notch with more red pepper flakes for those who love a spicy kick!

Common Questions

What’s the prep time for this recipe?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works great for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to enjoy again!

Now you’re set to impress with this incredibly easy and flavorful dish! Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A 30-minute delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
12 ounces linguine pasta Can substitute with whole wheat 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 for added spice.
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Reserve some for garnish.
1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Preparation

Boil the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauce Preparation

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Mix well, adjusting the sauce's consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.