Amazingly Simple Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine You Can Make in 30 Minutes

Deliciously Creamy Pasta Delight

There’s a unique charm to blending southern comfort with a hearty taste of the West. Growing up in Orlando, I cherish the memories spun in kitchen adventures where each meal became a celebration. Whether it was the bold flavors of Mexican spices from my abuela or the comfort of homemade pasta with a twist, my culinary journey is all about love and stories shared over dinner. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that beautifully combines these influences into a simple yet flavorful dish that will warm your heart and bring joy to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Best Season: Year-Round

What Makes This Dish Shine

• A bold flavor explosion: This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine packs a punch with rich garlic and creamy butter sauce, bringing excitement to your taste buds with each bite.
• Quick and simple: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
• Comfort food at its finest: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and linguine creates a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
• Versatile and adaptable: Customize it to your liking with additional spices or veggies, making it suitable for family members with different preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Dish

• 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

SAVE NOW

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: For a juicy and tender result, use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred; they’re more forgiving during cooking.
• Heavy Cream: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Linguine: You can easily swap it for penne or fettuccine depending on your pasta preference.
• Gardening with Additions: Feel free to toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Made Easy with Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 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 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; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Gently simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in 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 cooked 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 to your liking. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Pointers for Best Results

• Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Reserve pasta water: It serves as a magic ingredient to enhance your sauce’s texture and flavor—don’t skip it!
• Timing is critical: Keep an eye on your garlic while cooking; it can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste.
• Build layers of flavor: Allow the butter sauce to simmer a little longer for a deepen richer flavor.

Creative Twists You Can Try

• Vegan Swap: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms and use non-dairy cream for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an intense heat that amplifies the butter sauce.
• Mild Yet Flavorful: Skip the red pepper flakes entirely and use sweet smoked paprika for a family-friendly dish that still offers depth.
• Regional Touch: Infuse your Cowboy Butter with regional spices like cajun seasoning for a southern flair.

Perfect Pairings to Elevate Your Meal

To balance the creamy richness of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, serve it with a crisp side salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For a comforting addition, pair with garlic bread or seasoned roasted vegetables. As for drinks, a sparkling lemonade or a chilled iced tea complements perfectly!

Tips for Meal Prep and Freezing

Prep Ahead: You can chop garlic and parsley, and even cook the chicken a day in advance to save time.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to ensure creaminess.

Suggestions for Serving Up a Feast

Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in vibrant bowls to showcase the colors of the dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan for an inviting touch. Adding a slice of lemon on the side not only enhances presentation but offers an extra zing when squeezed fresh over the meal.

Kitchen Secrets for a Flavorful Finish

• Choose fresh herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, while dried herbs can dull flavors.
• Minimize mess: Use a non-stick skillet to ensure less sticking and a cleaner cooking experience.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings while cooking to maintain the dish’s balance.
• Keep utensils handy: Having everything within reach makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Storage and Reheating Techniques

For optimal results when reheating, use the stovetop for a creamy finish. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore the dish’s luscious texture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave but stir frequently to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, making them a tasty alternative.
What if I can’t find linguine? Any pasta shape will work—penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options are delicious.
Can I make this without cream? Yes! Substitute with coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Can leftovers be frozen? Yes, but be aware the texture may change slightly when reheated.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli are excellent additions that bring color and nutrition.
How can I make it spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced fresh jalapeños to the dish.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: Approximately 700
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 60g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.

A Warm Reflection

In the embrace of family and culinary tales, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine feels like a cozy gathering of flavors. Each ingredient has its own story, just like exciting memories shared around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking alone, with loved ones, or hosting friends, the magic of food can turn ordinary days into delightful experiences. Let this recipe inspire you to go on your own culinary adventure, filled with flavor and joy.

Ending on a Delicious Note

Embrace the simplicity and rich flavors of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. It’s perfect for any day of the week! So, gather your loved ones around the table, and share the joy of this amazing meal. Don’t forget to save and pin this recipe for future reference—your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Regular

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A deliciously creamy pasta dish that combines bold flavors of garlic and butter with tender chicken and linguine, perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Heat 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 the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. 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.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Gently simmer while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Return the cooked 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. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can customize with additional spices or veggies; allow the butter sauce to simmer for richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 130mg