Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breast in a rich garlic butter and Parmesan sauce with a hint of lemon zest and Dijon mustard. This comforting yet elegant meal combines perfectly cooked linguine with a luscious sauce, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
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
1/4 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

Cooking Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set 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 the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is 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 (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. Then, add the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and add extra flavor.
Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
You may substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

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

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken linguine recipe, weeknight dinner pasta, stovetop chicken pasta