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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Emily

Cowboy Butter Chicken

This Cowboy Butter Chicken combines tender chicken, linguine, and a rich, zesty butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon, lemon, and cream. A comforting yet bold pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet for chicken and sauce
  • Colander to drain pasta
  • wooden spoon
  • chef’s knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Boil the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Scrape the bottom to release browned bits while gently simmering.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and half the parsley. Stir and cook 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to pan, add cooked linguine and parmesan. Toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne. Swap linguine with fettuccine or penne if desired. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.