Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard, paprika, and lemon zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, this linguine dish combines rich, comforting flavors with a hint of spice and freshness from parsley and lemon, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained linguine and chicken slices back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken immediately, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful cowboy butter chicken linguine hot!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use chicken broth as a substitute for pasta water to add more depth of flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: chicken linguine, cowboy butter chicken, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce