Name: Unbelievably Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Min
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine pasta; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good one-pan dinner? Especially when it explodes with flavor! I’m *all* about minimizing dishes, and this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine does exactly that. Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight game-changer.

I whipped this up last Tuesday when I was *so* not in the mood to cook. My kids were practically hanging off me, begging for food, and I just needed something FAST. I threw this together, and, wow, the family devoured it! Even my picky eater loved it. That’s when I knew I had to share it with you all. What makes this recipe so special? It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with a flavor punch thanks to that amazing cowboy butter. We’re talking creamy, savory, and just a little bit spicy. Trust me, you NEED this in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Seriously, there’s so much to love about this recipe! Let me break it down for you:

Quick and Easy Dinner

We’re talking dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, people! That’s faster than ordering takeout. Plus, it’s totally family-friendly. My kids gobble it up every time, and I bet yours will too!

Packed with Flavor

Oh man, that cowboy butter sauce! It’s savory, creamy, and has just the right amount of kick. That smoked paprika? Don’t even get me started! It’s what really makes it pop!

One-Pan Meal

Hello, easy cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes. I’m all about spending less time scrubbing and more time relaxing after dinner, aren’t you?

Customizable

Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! Not a fan of linguine? Use your favorite pasta! This recipe is super versatile, so you can make it your own. Have fun with it!

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Don’t skimp – these ingredients are the key to that incredible flavor!

1 pound linguine pasta – the regular kind is perfect!
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like to get them about 1-inch big, y’know, easy to eat.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing that yummy chicken.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – yep, the *real* stuff! We’re dividing this, so keep that in mind.
4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, trust me on this one!
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a little tang, don’t skip it!
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – for that umami goodness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – this is where the “cowboy” comes in!
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – or more, if you like it spicy! Careful now!
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for a pop of freshness.
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives – because they’re delicious!
1/2 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce super creamy.
Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season!

How to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Step-by-Step

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We’re about to make some magic happen. Follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine on the table in no time. Seriously, it’s easier than you think!

Cooking the Linguine

First things first, get that linguine cooking! Follow the package directions, but make sure you cook it al dente. Nobody likes mushy pasta! And hey, pro-tip: before you drain the pasta, save about a cup of that pasta water. Trust me, you might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency. Set the cooked pasta aside for now.

Sautéing the Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken cooking! Grab your biggest skillet and heat up the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You want an internal temp of 165°F if you are checking! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll need it later!

Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those chicken bits add flavor!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Careful not to burn it! Now, stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Mmm, it smells amazing, right?

Combining Everything

Alright, time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked linguine, chopped parsley, and chopped chives. Toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. And that’s it! Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips for the Best Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Want to take this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to the *next level*? Here are a few of my favorite tips! First, taste as you go! If you like a little more kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. But be careful – a little goes a long way! Also, make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through – nobody wants undercooked chicken! And if the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water. It’s liquid gold, I tell ya!

Ingredient Substitutions for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Okay, so maybe you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, or you need a gluten-free option? No sweat! This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is super adaptable. Here are a few easy swaps!

Chicken

Don’t love chicken breasts? No problem! Use chicken thighs instead! They’re super juicy and flavorful. Just cook ’em until they’re cooked through!

Pasta

Need a gluten-free option? Grab your favorite gluten-free pasta! It works just as well. Just follow the package directions for cooking times, okay?

Dairy

Dairy-free? No worries! Use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. It’ll still be super creamy and delicious, promise!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ready to go. But what should you serve with it? I’m a big fan of some good ol’ garlic bread – perfect for soaking up that extra sauce! A simple side salad also works wonders. Something fresh and green to balance out the richness. You could even try some roasted veggies!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Got questions about this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this helps!

Can I make this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time?

Okay, so technically, yes, you *can* make it ahead of time. But honestly? It’s best fresh. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so it might not be as creamy. If you *do* make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. But seriously, fresh is best!

How do I adjust the spice level in this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Spice it up or tone it down – it’s all up to you! If you’re a spice fiend, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also add a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for extra oomph, but be careful!

What other protein can I use in this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Chicken not your thing? No problem! Shrimp works *amazingly* well in this recipe. Just sauté it until it’s pink and cooked through. Sausage is also a fantastic option! I love using Italian sausage for a little extra flavor kick. Just brown it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients. Get creative!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Don’t overheat it, or the pasta will get mushy!

Nutritional Information for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutritional information for this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). So, I can’t provide precise numbers. Just keep in mind that it’s an estimate and can change based on what you throw in there, okay?

Enjoy Your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Alright, you did it! Now, dig in and enjoy your amazing Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. And hey, if you loved it (and I know you will!), please leave a comment and rating below. It really helps! Happy cooking!