Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for a subtle smoky heat, tossed in a rich Parmesan butter sauce with garlic and Dijon mustard. This comforting meal is perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz linguine
½ cup reserved pasta water

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the linguine: Boil salted water and cook the linguine until al dente as per package instructions. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set both aside.
Season and cook the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into strips.
Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Complete the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by gradually stirring in some of the reserved pasta water.
Toss pasta and chicken: Add the sliced chicken and drained linguine back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken well. Heat through for an additional minute to allow flavors to combine.
Serve and garnish: Immediately plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful garnish.

Notes

You can adjust the red pepper flakes quantity for more or less heat.
Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and taste.
Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier option.
Serve immediately for best texture; the sauce may thicken upon standing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy pasta, smoked paprika chicken, garlic butter sauce, Parmesan pasta