Print

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

5.3 from 13 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful butter sauce accented by garlic, paprika, and lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers comfort and zest in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 ounces linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to develop flavor.
  4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as the sauce gently simmers.
  5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure even coating. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs to be loosened.
  7. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with the remaining parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for a silky texture.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add a mild kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor impact.
  • Can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter sauce.
  • For a lower fat version, reduce the butter and heavy cream amounts or substitute with half-and-half.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor integration.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Linguine, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner, Weeknight Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce