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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine - featured image

A comforting and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken, linguine, and a bold cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces linguine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley. Mix well and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and use tongs to toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Save pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Adjust spice levels by omitting red pepper flakes for a milder dish. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Chicken Linguine, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipe