Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner with tender chicken in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and bright lemon, served with linguine.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Use halal-certified chicken if that matters for your household.
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning; if you prefer salted butter, reduce added salt.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Garlic cooks fast; watch closely to avoid bitterness.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds acidity and lifts the sauce.
- 1 piece Juice of 1 lemon Provides freshness.
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or parsley) Can be substituted with fresh herbs.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to taste.
- as needed Grated Parmesan cheese Optional for serving; look for halal or vegetarian options if needed.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Tip: Salt the pasta water generously (about 1–1.5 teaspoons per quart) to season the pasta from the inside. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce later if needed.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Tip: Use moderate heat to avoid browning the butter too quickly.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from browning.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Tip: Don’t crowd the pan to ensure proper searing.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried herbs, mixing well.
- Tip: Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combining the Dish
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine everything together.
- Tip: Toss over low heat for a minute to marry flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and offer lemon wedges at the table.
Notes
Roasted chicken or creamy variations are encouraged. Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust for dietary preferences with substitutions as needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 36gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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