Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect dish to bring excitement and flavor to your dinner table! Imagine tender chunks of chicken coated in a rich and creamy sauce, blended with garlic and a hint of lemon, all atop a bed of delightful linguine. The vibrant colors and luscious textures make this dish visually appealing, ideal for anything from family dinners to cozy gatherings with friends.

When you take your first bite, the burst of flavor will tantalize your taste buds, while the aroma fills the air, making your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find that this recipe is not just easy to follow but also impressively delicious. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that you can find in any grocery store.
2. Ease of Preparation: Quick and straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, and combined with creamy goodness for a well-rounded meal.
4. Versatility: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side; it pairs well with many flavors.
5. Presentation: Beautifully garnished with parsley, it’s a showstopper for your dining table.

This dish is sure to become a favorite!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

(Note that times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

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

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

2. Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before cooking for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.

5. 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 lightly thickens.

6. Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!

   

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve in a large bowl or individual dishes for a beautiful presentation.

2. Accompaniments: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

3. Portions: This recipe serves four, perfect for a friendly gathering or family dinner.

4. Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing complement.

Each serving is sure to impress your guests!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Add some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Customization: Feel free to use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Top with extra lemon zest or parmesan cheese for an added zest.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cowboy Butter: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie-friendly option.
3. Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a flavor-packed twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it includes lean chicken and can be made lighter with substitutions like low-fat cream.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance; just combine with pasta when ready to serve.

4. Can I customize this?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices.

5. What are alternative cooking methods?
You can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion! This dish not only pleases your palate but is also simple to prepare, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Enjoy the creamy goodness and fresh ingredients, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A flavorful and creamy chicken dish served over linguine, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Ingredients

• 12 ounces linguine pasta Use your favorite type of linguine.

Chicken Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
• Salt to taste Salt
• Black pepper to taste Black pepper

Cowboy Butter Sauce Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For some heat.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method

 

Cook Pasta

1. Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Cook Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Add Flavor Components

1. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.

Creamy Sauce Formation

1. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.

Combine All

1. Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Final Touches

1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. You can customize with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood option.