Description

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce with a creamy, slightly spicy finish. It is a bold and comforting meal that comes together easily in just one pan.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tsp Italian seasoning or thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces

Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning

2 tbsp olive oil

8 oz (225 g) linguine, cooked al dente

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Extra parsley and lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve hot.

Notes

Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.

Add vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for variety.

Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 23 g
Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 165 mg