Description

This bold and buttery pasta dish features juicy chicken tossed with garlic-herb cowboy butter sauce and linguine — a comforting dinner full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz linguine

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook linguine according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.

Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives.

Return chicken to skillet and coat in the cowboy butter sauce.

Add cooked linguine and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even orzo.

Add vegetables like baby spinach or sautéed zucchini for extra nutrition.

Use chicken thighs for added richness and juiciness.

For more heat, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

Cowboy butter sauce also works beautifully with shrimp or steak.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American