Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A quick and delicious pasta dish made with tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, all 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 Fresh garlic recommended for the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste for spiciness
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh lemon juice recommended
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Reserve some for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese More for serving if desired
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust based on preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Start boiling a pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions for al dente, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, saute for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the brown bits. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Continue to heat for another 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining and Serving
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with remaining parsley and more parmesan before serving.
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Notes
For best flavor, use fresh ingredients. You can vary the protein (like shrimp or tofu) and add vegetables for a healthier option.