Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Bold, Buttery & Irresistible!

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken:
   Toss chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well coated.
3. Cook the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the cowboy butter sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Build flavor:
   Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Toss it all together:
   Return the cooked chicken and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken in the buttery sauce. Let it cook together for 2–3 more minutes to combine.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Variations :

• Substitute shrimp for chicken for a coastal-inspired version.
• Use fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle if linguine isn’t available.
• Stir in spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

Tips :

• Add a splash of cream or a handful of Parmesan at the end for a creamier finish.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining—it can help loosen the sauce if needed.
• Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices before slicing or tossing into the pasta.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dinner that turns a weeknight into something special with minimal effort and maximum flavor.