Description

This Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy butter sauce with garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Tossed with linguine and parmesan, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces linguine pasta
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 the 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, then toss lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, browning it on both sides and ensuring it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the chopped parsley. Stir and cook the sauce for approximately two minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked linguine, and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

For a deeper, richer flavor, try incorporating a cowboy butter sauce technique to enhance the butter’s taste.
If the sauce becomes too oily or heavy, gradually stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to balance the consistency.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its freshest.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken linguine, cowboy butter chicken, comfort food, easy dinner recipes, creamy chicken pasta