Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Creamy 30-Minute Dinner Everyone Loves

Posted on December 17, 2025 | By : Rihanna Recipes

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine served in a bowl with fresh herbs

why make this recipe

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and its hearty and flavorful profile will satisfy your whole family. With easy-to-find ingredients, minimal prep time, and a one-pan cooking method, it’s a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

how to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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 :

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside after draining.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional 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). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
  5. 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 lightly thickens.
  6. Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then 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 as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors!
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cowboy butter chicken linguine creamy 30 minute 2025 12 17 113448 150x150 1

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine


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  • Author: rihannarecipes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Nut-free

Description

A quick, comforting dish combining chicken and linguine in a creamy, rich sauce—perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), scraping browned bits from the pan.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens lightly.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese, and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary, garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a fresh green salad or crusty bread; can swap chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

how to serve Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish warm, and you can pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A sprinkle of additional parsley or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten the flavors.

how to store Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
  • Reserve more pasta water if you want a creamier sauce.
  • Feel free to load up on vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

variation

You can swap chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or try whole wheat linguine for a healthier option.

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FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
  2. Is this dish spicy? The dish is not spicy unless you add the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them for a milder flavor.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a few hours ahead and combine it with pasta just before serving.

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