Name: Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Oh, what a treat we have today! Imagine a dinner that’s not only satisfying but also comes together in just 30 minutes. Seems too good to be true, right? Well, it’s time to gather around the table because I’m about to introduce you to Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish is a crowd-pleaser. The buttery garlic sauce dances with flavors of lemon, Dijon mustard, and a hint of spice. Plus, who can resist creamy pasta and tender chicken? It’s comfort food at its finest! Pair it with a simple mixed green salad or some toasted bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.

How to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

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

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Directions:

Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling the linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Remember to reserve ½ cup of that lovely pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside, breathing in that delicious aroma!
Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or that reserved pasta water). Scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan, letting the mixture simmer gently.
Creamy Sauce Formation: Now, pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens lightly. It’s heavenly!
Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to make sure it’s all coated beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it with some of that reserved pasta water.
Final Touches: Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Finish it off with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese before serving it hot. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!

How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Serve this delightful dish fresh off the stovetop! Garnish with a bit of lemon zest and extra parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some fresh bread. You’ll feel like a superstar chef when you see how everyone digs in!

How to Store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Tips to Make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach as you make the creamy sauce. Both add great texture and nutrients. Also, if you fancy a little heat, adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. I love serving this with sourdough garlic rolls. They soak up every bit of sauce!

Variation

Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even a mix of veggies for a lighter option. You could use zucchini and bell peppers to make it colorful and fresh! Just adjust the cooking time for shrimp, cooking until they turn pink.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! You can replace the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use the reserved pasta water instead. It’s full of flavor and works great in this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and chicken right before serving.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be downright delicious. This whisky of flavors is sure to become a staple in your home. More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest