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Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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A quick weeknight meal combining creamy comfort with bright lemon and garlic flavors, featuring tender chicken and silky linguine in a savory garlic butter sauce.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or pasta water. Scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add heavy cream and half the parsley. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to the pan. Add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken for even browning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg