Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Printable Version)
Tender seasoned chicken and linguine in a creamy, garlicky butter sauce with Dijon, lemon and a hint of smoky heat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
340g linguine
→ Protein
02 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Sauce Base
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 tbsp butter
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
½ tsp red pepper flakes
08 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 -
1 tbsp lemon juice
10 -
120ml chicken broth
11 -
120ml heavy cream
12 -
50g grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
14 -
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 120ml of pasta water before draining, then set aside.
02 -
Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden. Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
04 -
Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
05 -
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
06 -
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Offer additional grated Parmesan at the table if desired.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
02 -
The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated, adding the pasta just before serving.