Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A quick and comforting dish that combines creamy butter sauce, seasoned chicken, and al dente linguine, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Seasoned with salt and pepper
- 12 oz linguine pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the chicken
- 3 tbsp butter For making the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds aroma and flavor
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard For flavor enhancement
- 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness
- 1 tsp paprika For color and warmth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for spice
- 1 cup heavy cream For creamy sauce consistency
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Or reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Adds freshness and color
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated For garnishing
- to taste salt and black pepper For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the linguine.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add paprika and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and half of the parsley. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Adjust seasoning.
Serving
- Garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For storage, let cool and place in an airtight container; it will keep for about 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat gently, adding liquid as needed to restore creaminess.