Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, savory pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, linguine, and a zesty cowboy butter sauce loaded with garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet and add cooked linguine. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Swap linguine with any pasta you prefer.
- For creamier sauce, add heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
- Chicken thighs or shrimp make great protein alternatives.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
