Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich butter and garlic sauce infused with lemon, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Tossed with linguine and finished with fresh parsley and parmesan, this hearty meal combines comfort and zest for an irresistible dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta

12 ounces linguine pasta
Olive oil, for tossing cooked pasta

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted 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

Instructions

Cooking Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. After draining, toss the pasta lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Cooking Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Thickening Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir well and cook the sauce for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the linguine and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together in the skillet until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
Final Seasoning and Serving: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve the dish immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the dish.
Red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
Reserve pasta water as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and adds flavor.
For an even richer taste, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic and spices.
Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.

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

Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner recipe, one-pan pasta, comfort food