Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A quick and delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken, tangy lemon, and creamy sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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) Adjust for spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Divided for garnish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water Use reserved pasta water for flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
- to taste Salt and black pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Adding Flavor Components
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). While gently simmering, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Forming the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
Combining All Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the pan, 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.
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!
Notes
Serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley. Pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water if necessary.