Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A 30-minute delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- 12 ounces linguine pasta Can substitute with whole wheat pasta.
- 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 for added spice.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 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
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Mix well, adjusting the sauce's consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat gently.