Description

This Flavor-Packed Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. Tossed with al dente linguine and fresh herbs, this American-inspired main course offers a perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken and Seasonings

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sauce and Garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, chives, and thyme leaves. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
Toss with Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy texture.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve the linguine hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Substitute chicken with shrimp or roasted vegetables for a different protein or vegetarian option.
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
Squeeze additional lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor.