Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken breast pieces with a creamy, garlic-infused cowboy butter sauce tossed with al dente linguine pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish features a perfect blend of Dijon mustard, paprika, lemon juice, and fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Butter Sauce
- 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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape any browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine All: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted for desired heat level.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and garnish.
- If preferred, chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe, garlic butter sauce, pasta with chicken
