Description
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and creamy pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are seared and tossed with linguine in a flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, lemon, and parmesan cheese. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines rich, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of spice and freshness from parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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 according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is 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 off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor. Let the sauce gently simmer to meld the flavors.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Add extra reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use chicken broth or pasta water to add depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat to the dish.
- Fresh parsley adds freshness and a bright color contrast.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, one skillet chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken
