Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts cooked with a rich garlic, paprika, and Dijon mustard infused butter sauce combine perfectly with al dente linguine, fresh lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering the sauce.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine All: Return cooked chicken to the pan, add the drained linguine and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to evenly coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, omit if you prefer no spice.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor contrast.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Parmesan cheese adds umami and creamy texture; use freshly grated for best results.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy richness before it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy chicken linguine, quick dinner recipe, weeknight meal
