Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed and coated in a luscious butter and garlic sauce, enriched with Dijon mustard, lemon, and cream, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta recipe combines bold flavors and comforting textures for a truly delicious meal.
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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape the browned bits from the pan to add more flavor. Let simmer gently.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: 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 All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with reserved pasta water to keep it lighter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- To save time, prepare garlic ahead or use pre-minced garlic if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, quick chicken linguine, comfort food pasta
