Go Back
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Patricia
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Chicken:

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

  • Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is well combined and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
  • Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

  • Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley elevate the flavors of the sauce.
  • Control the Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less or omit entirely.
  • Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.