introduction
This quick pasta dish brings bold, buttery flavor to the table in just 30 minutes. It uses simple pantry items and makes a full meal fast. If you enjoy simple chicken pasta, try a different style like the green chicken pozole recipe for another easy dinner idea.
why make this recipe
You can make a rich, tasty meal fast. The sauce is creamy and bright with lemon and mustard. It is great for weeknights and picky eaters. The dish makes good leftovers too.
how to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
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
Directions :
- Boil the linguine in salted water following the package directions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
- Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the sauce gently simmer.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley.
- Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes until it lightly thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked linguine and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
- Use the reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
how to serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Serve hot on warm plates. Add extra parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side. A simple green salad or steamed veggies pair well.
how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Cool the pasta to room temperature then place in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes
Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate. Do not overcook the garlic or it will turn bitter. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
variation (if any)
For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika. Add mushrooms or spinach for more veggies. Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time for a seafood option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other pasta?
A: Yes. Fettuccine or spaghetti work well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream and vegan parmesan to make it dairy-free.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a small sprinkle of grated parmesan while stirring.
Conclusion
This dish gives you a fast, rich pasta with bright lemon and butter notes. For the original idea and more tips, see the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader.