Name: Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
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; 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you are craving a dinner that is both comforting and bursting with bold, tangy flavors, you will adore this oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes recipe. It merges the creamy richness of a luscious cowboy butter sauce with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Every bite offers a delightful blend of buttery goodness, lemony brightness, and hints of smoky paprika, making it a perfect weeknight winner when time is tight but flavor cannot be compromised.

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring out the ultimate balance of creaminess, zest, and a touch of spice. The simplicity of these staples is what makes this dish shine without any fuss.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: the star protein that stays juicy when cooked just right.
Linguine pasta: the perfect long pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: for searing the chicken to a golden perfection and adding depth.
Butter: essential for the signature cowboy butter sauce, rich and velvety.
Garlic, minced: gives the sauce an aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Dijon mustard: adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
Paprika: provides smoky warmth that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
Red pepper flakes (optional): a slight hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Lemon juice and zest: bring fresh acidity to brighten the sauce beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped: for color and a refreshing herbal note.
Chicken broth or reserved pasta water: helps create a silky, well-rounded sauce.
Heavy cream: richness that ties everything together into a luscious coating.
Grated parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness.
Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

How to Make oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Cook the Linguine to Perfection

Start by boiling your linguine in salted water following the package directions. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining! It will be a secret weapon to help adjust your sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Set aside the chicken once done. This step ensures juicy yet flavorful chicken pieces wrapped in a buttery sauce.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt your butter and toss in the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. Let these sizzle for about a minute but do not let the garlic brown. This quick sauté releases all those inviting aromas that make this sauce so irresistible.

Step 4: Layer on the Flavor with Mustard and Citrus

Now it’s time to stir in Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add your chicken broth or that reserved pasta water, scraping up every flavorful brown bit clinging to the pan. This combination brings brightness and tang, perfectly cutting through the richness.

Step 5: Create a Creamy Dream

Pour in heavy cream and fold in half of your chopped parsley. Allow everything to simmer gently for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat every strand of linguine.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and introduce the cooked linguine along with the grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything thoroughly, so the creamy cowboy butter sauce luxuriously envelops the pasta and chicken. Add the reserved pasta water little by little to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.

Step 7: Taste and Finish with Freshness

Give it a final taste to adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and a sprinkling of extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the full aromatic impact of your oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes masterpiece!

How to Serve oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop while a little extra parmesan cheese brings that perfect savory finish. For a touch of elegance, you could even zest a hint more lemon over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salad or garlic-roasted vegetables to add crunch and freshness. A warm, crusty bread is also a fantastic choice to scoop up every last bit of the cowboy butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the linguine in shallow bowls topped with a few extra parsley sprigs and a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze. For a more casual vibe, plate it family-style in a large pan right at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and savor the moment together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover oy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better after resting overnight.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Pasta with cream sauces doesn’t freeze as well but can be reheated gently if necessary.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Warm it slowly over low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid separation.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding the sauce, fettuccine or even penne can work well if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cowboy butter sauce in advance and gently reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and chicken to save time on busy days.

What’s the secret to juicy chicken in this recipe?

Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat until golden but not overcooked is key. Also, letting it rest briefly after cooking helps keep the juices locked in.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms mix in beautifully and add extra nutrition and flavor contrast.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes enough for anyone who loves big flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a true game-changer when you want something both cozy and exciting. Give this recipe a try soon and watch it become an instant favorite in your dinner rotation!

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed and coated in a luscious butter and garlic sauce, enriched with Dijon mustard, lemon, and cream, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta recipe combines bold flavors and comforting textures for a truly delicious meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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.
Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the browned bits from the pan to add more flavor. Let simmer gently.
Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
Chicken broth can be substituted with reserved pasta water to keep it lighter.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
To save time, prepare garlic ahead or use pre-minced garlic if desired.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: American