Description
A creamy, garlicky pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine according to package directions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Scrape browned bits from the pan, simmer gently.
- Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
- Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, add cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together and adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
The sauce will tighten up when chilled; reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water. This recipe can be made with shrimp or other proteins as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, 30-Minute Meal