Description
Creamy Zesty Chicken Pasta is the ultimate one-skillet dinner, combining juicy pan-seared chicken with bold cowboy butter, garlic cream sauce, and a fresh twist of lemon. This cozy, crave-worthy dish is packed with comforting flavor and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for both weeknights and special dinners.
Ingredients
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8 ounces (225 g) linguine
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1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon (1.2 g) paprika
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1/2 teaspoon (1.2 g) garlic salt
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1/2 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) black pepper
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1/4 cup (60 g) cowboy butter, divided
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3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
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1 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic salt
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1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) lemon juice
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Lemon slices and chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook linguine in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
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Add 2 tablespoons cowboy butter. Flip chicken and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
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Lower heat. Add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and scrape browned bits.
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Return pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat. Stir in lemon juice.
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Garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.
Cowboy butter brings bold flavor—don’t skip it.
Add extras like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or lemon zest if desired.
Leftovers reheat best with added cream or broth.
Not freezer-friendly due to cream base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American