Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Toppings:
- Shaved parmesan cheese
- Extra chili flakes
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and chopped fresh herbs (parsley and thyme or rosemary). Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes while stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked linguine and sliced chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the linguine with cowboy butter chicken to serving plates. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese, extra chili flakes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges as desired. Serve immediately for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred for a juicier texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your taste.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce consistency.
- Fresh herbs add brightness—feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Shaved parmesan adds a savory finish but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
