Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A quick and delicious meal combining comfort food with flavor, featuring creamy sauce, tender chicken, and linguine cooked in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta
- Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Cook Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before cooking for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavor Components
- Stir in the 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.
Creamy Sauce Formation
- Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
Combine All
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Final Touches
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Best served hot right after preparation. Pair with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding water or broth if the sauce thickens.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g