Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce, tangy lemon zest, and a hint of spice. This comforting meal features linguine pasta tossed in a luscious buttery cream sauce infused with Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted 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

Cooking Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cooking Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor.
Thickening the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley into the skillet. Stir and cook for approximately 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and all ingredients are well combined.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked linguine pasta, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Finishing Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.
Red pepper flakes are optional for a mild spicy kick.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best texture and flavor.
This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Linguine, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner, One Pan Pasta Recipe