When you need a flavorful dinner on the table fast, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your go-to recipe. It’s packed with juicy chicken, a zesty buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine — all ready in just 30 minutes. The creamy, garlicky cowboy butter sauce makes this dish irresistibly comforting and ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This pasta dish brings together everything you love about comfort food — tender chicken, rich butter, and a touch of lemony freshness. The cowboy butter sauce, made with garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, gives the linguine a bold kick of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying enough to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Meat
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Condiments
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Pasta & Grains
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Baking & Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the linguine to the sauce and toss well. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sliced chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest before serving warm.
Expert Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Adjust spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with garlic bread or a simple green salad. A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea pairs beautifully with this meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
A 30-Minute Dinner You’ll Want Again and Again
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s creamy, zesty, and absolutely satisfying — the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
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Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
An easy and delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe that comes together in 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Condiments:
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp lemon juice
Pasta & Grains:
12 oz linguine pasta
Baking & Spices:
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars:
2 tbsp olive oil
Dairy:
3 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids:
1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and slice.
3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add linguine to the sauce, then mix in Parmesan and sliced chicken. Toss to coat and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Store leftovers up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe