Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and a hint of spice. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the linguine and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Toss one final time and serve warm.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier.
- Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Pasta Substitutes: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes