Description
A creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and linguine pasta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the linguine according to the package directions in salted water. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant but does not brown.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, allowing the flavors to meld as you gently simmer.
- Pour in the heavy cream along with half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to cook for an additional 2 minutes until it lightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to ensure every bite gets coated in that luxurious sauce, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Taste the dish, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Finish off by garnishing with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for an unforgettable meal that celebrates flavor!
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve with garlic bread or a light salad for balance.
