Description
This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a bright lemon zest kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal blends savory spices, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese for a delightful weeknight dinner that pleases the entire family.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
Fresh Herbs and Cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. 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 browned bits from the pan and gently simmer 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 the cooked chicken to the skillet, add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and add starchy richness.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild spicy kick; omit if desired.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous note.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before removing from the pan.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick chicken recipes, cowboy butter sauce, weeknight meals
