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; 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

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Introduction

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken breast meets a creamy, flavorful cowboy butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a comforting dish packed with bold flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with two main layers. The bottom layer is twisted spaghetti coated in an orange creamy sauce with specks of black pepper, giving it a smooth but textured look. On top sits several pieces of grilled chicken, golden-brown with visible char marks, arranged loosely and sprinkled with fresh green parsley leaves for a pop of color. The food is set against a white marbled surface. 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
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

Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: 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 cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing 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 any browned bits from the pan and gently simmer.
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 skillet, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking or add a dash of hot sauce.
Swap chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier result.
Use fresh linguine if available for a more tender texture.
To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can boost flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with two layers: the bottom is a bed of smooth, light yellow spaghetti coated evenly in a rich, creamy sauce speckled with black pepper, and on top sit several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken with crispy, charred edges. Scattered fresh green parsley leaves add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. 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, this sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, the pasta texture may change after freezing. To maintain best quality, freeze the components separately and combine when reheating.