Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful butter sauce enhanced by garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
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 according to package directions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape browned bits from skillet bottom and gently simmer.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
- Combine All: Return the chicken to the skillet, add cooked linguine and grated parmesan. Toss well to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining as it helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; add them according to your desired spice level.
- Use fresh parsley to enhance freshness and color.
- Ensure you don’t brown the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Serve immediately to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Linguine, Cowboy Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner, Quick Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Weeknight Meal
