Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cowboy Butter Sauce

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Chicken & Pasta

10 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 12 ounces linguine pasta
16 - 1 cup heavy cream
17 - 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

# How to Make It:

01 - In a bowl, season sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
03 - In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Pour in lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once combined, add grated Parmesan and stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
05 - Return cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat with sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
06 - Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan over the dish before serving.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture, as pre-shredded varieties may not melt smoothly.
02 - Increase or reduce red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to personal preference.
03 - Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
04 - For a thicker sauce, simmer for two additional minutes or stir in a slurry of 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water.