Creamy Chicken Linguine
If you’re craving comfort food with bold flavor and minimal effort, this Creamy Chicken Linguine is the answer. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken and al dente pasta coated in a rich, buttery sauce bursting with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and a hint of heat. It’s a weeknight winner that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Ultra-Creamy Sauce: Cowboy butter meets heavy cream and Parmesan for the ultimate flavor combo.
- Customizable Spice: Adjust the heat to your liking with cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dinner that both adults and kids will love.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a bowl, season cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the softened butter, cooked chicken, and drained pasta. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up best in the creamy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded versions.
- Adjust heat to taste: Omit cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add more if you like it spicy.
- Double the sauce: For extra richness or leftovers, consider doubling the sauce ingredients.
What Is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a bold, buttery sauce often infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and spices. It’s typically used as a dipping sauce or topping, but here, we’ve turned it into a luscious pasta sauce that clings beautifully to linguine and chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Top with additional Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Hearty Mains
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 520 per serving
Keywords
chicken pasta, cowboy butter, creamy pasta, quick dinner, linguine recipe
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