Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine | Easy 30 Minute Pasta
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that brings together rich flavors, creamy pasta, and juicy chicken in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. The first time I tried cowboy butter, I was hooked. The sizzling garlic, fresh parsley, and lemony kick made the butter sauce irresistible, and when I tossed it with linguine and chicken, I knew I had found one of my favorite quick simple easy dinner ideas. Every bite of this cowboy chicken pasta tastes like something from a restaurant, yet it is simple enough for weeknight cooking.
This easy cowboy butter chicken linguine works perfectly for busy evenings, family dinners, or even as one of those summer dinner recipes for hot days. The buttery garlic sauce coats the pasta beautifully, and the seasoned chicken makes it hearty enough to satisfy everyone. If you are looking for cheap fast dinner recipes that still taste gourmet, cowboy butter chicken pasta belongs on your table.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a skillet with a bit of butter until golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes to form cowboy butter sauce.
- Return chicken to skillet and toss in cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and chopped parsley. Add chili flakes if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why You Will Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy butter chicken linguine has become a go-to recipe because it is flavorful and versatile. Here are a few reasons to keep it in your rotation:
- Cowboy butter pasta combines bold spices with silky sauce for a unique twist on classic pasta.
- Juicy chicken makes this cowboy pasta a full meal on its own.
- The recipe is quick and easy, making it one of the best cheap fast dinner recipes.
- It is flexible enough to serve during weeknights or for special gatherings.
- Cowboy chicken pasta always feels hearty without being heavy.
Ingredients for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
You do not need complicated ingredients for this cowboy butter chicken pasta. Here is what you will need:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
- 12 ounces linguine pasta, cooked al dente
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Tip for substitutions: Swap linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine. For a lighter cowboy pasta version, use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Making cowboy butter chicken linguine is simple and fast:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain while reserving half a cup of the pasta water.
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, cook the chicken in a little butter until golden and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the cowboy butter sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the linguine. Toss everything together with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
This easy cowboy butter chicken linguine is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Pasta
There are many ways to serve cowboy butter pasta so it feels special:
- Plate the pasta in shallow bowls so the sauce gathers at the bottom.
- Add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for balance.
- For summer dinner recipes for hot days, pair it with iced tea and grilled vegetables.
- Cowboy chicken pasta can even be topped with extra chili flakes for spice lovers.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Chicken Pasta
- Always reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the linguine.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor.
- Cook the chicken until golden but do not overcook to keep it tender.
- If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Cowboy butter chicken linguine is even more flavorful when served immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta makes the dish mushy instead of silky.
- Forgetting to season the chicken separately results in bland cowboy chicken.
- Adding too much lemon can overpower the buttery flavor.
- Skipping fresh herbs reduces the freshness that cowboy butter pasta is known for.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freeze cowboy butter chicken pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or butter to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without chicken?
Yes, cowboy butter pasta is delicious with shrimp, steak, or even vegetables.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes give it a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, just swap the linguine for gluten free pasta.
What makes cowboy butter unique?
It includes garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, paprika, and parsley, giving it a zesty and bold flavor compared to regular garlic butter.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is flavorful, quick, and always satisfying. It belongs in your recipe collection if you love cowboy chicken pasta that feels indulgent yet easy. From family dinners to date nights, this cowboy butter pasta proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Save this recipe now so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick simple easy dinner idea that everyone will enjoy.
