Name: Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 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 (divided); 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with the comfort of pasta, then you absolutely must try my oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes. This recipe brings together tender chicken, luscious butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together faster than you’d expect. It’s a personal favorite that never fails to impress whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat.

Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature rich and vibrant flavor. These simple essentials add layers of creaminess, zest, and warmth that elevate the dish, making it both satisfying and visually appealing.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender chicken provides a hearty protein base and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
12 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect pasta choice to twirl with the sauce, delivering a satisfying bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken for a lovely golden crust and infused taste.
3 tablespoons butter: The star of the cowboy butter sauce, offering richness and depth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant aroma and subtle spicy notes.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick that sharpens the buttery sauce.
1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat for balance, if you like a hint of spice.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with refreshing acidity.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the citrus flavor with a punch of brightness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes.
1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency and layers of flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds savoriness and melts into the sauce for creamy indulgence.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element of the dish.

How to Make oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your linguine in well-salted water as per package instructions. The salt seasons the pasta internally, building flavor from the first bite. Remember to reserve half a cup of your pasta water before draining because this starchy magic is the secret to perfect sauce consistency later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, you want a golden crust on the outside and a juicy, tender inside. Once done, remove and set aside—this gives the chicken the perfect texture before it meets the buttery sauce.

Step 3: Craft the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen — sauté these just until fragrant, about a minute, careful not to let the garlic brown. This buttery spice blend is truly what sets this dish apart.

Step 4: Add Bright and Bold Flavors

Next, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or your reserved pasta water. Use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. This adds complex savory notes while the acidity from lemon tones down the richness just right.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and half the chopped parsley, stirring gently. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and meld all those bold flavors into a silky, dreamy coating for the pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked linguine and grated parmesan. Toss everything thoroughly so the sauce clings to each strand of pasta and piece of chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it—that’s the key to that perfectly saucy finish.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give everything a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese for a final flourish before plating. Serve hot and enjoy the beautiful harmony of flavors and textures in your oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes.

How to Serve oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must for adding a splash of vibrant green and a subtle herbaceous lift that cuts through the creamy sauce. Finish with an extra dusting of freshly grated parmesan for that melt-in-your-mouth umami burst. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before eating can brighten the entire dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add color and a nutritious crunch. For a cozy complement, garlic bread or crusty rolls make perfect vehicles for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, plate the linguine in neat nests on individual dishes, topping each with chunks of chicken and a sprinkle of extra parsley and parmesan. You could also serve it family-style in a warm, shallow dish for a communal feel. Adding edible flowers or microgreens lends an elegant flair if you’re looking to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld further overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Be mindful that the cream-based sauce may slightly change texture after freezing, but it will still be delicious. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce feels too thick or dry. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain that lovely creamy texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is recommended for its perfect texture and ability to hold the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work wonderfully well with the cowboy butter sauce.

Is red pepper flakes necessary?

Red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick that balances the richness, but if you prefer a milder dish, simply omit them. The recipe is delicious either way.

Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms can be great alternatives depending on your preference and dietary needs.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer to reduce it. For a thinner consistency, gradually stir in more reserved pasta water or broth until you reach your desired texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes reheats nicely, making it an excellent option for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This oy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want a dish that’s both indulgently creamy and lightning-fast to make. It’s a perfect marriage of comfort and sophistication right in your own kitchen. I really encourage you to give it a try—you won’t believe how easy and delicious weeknight dinners can be!

Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious butter and garlic sauce, brightened with lemon and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom and gently simmer to combine flavors.
Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream along with half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Final Touches: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

Reserving pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and enhances creaminess.
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for milder flavor.
Use chicken broth if you prefer more savory depth over pasta water.
Leftover sauce can be stored separately and gently reheated with a splash of cream to keep creamy texture.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: American