Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken cooked in a smoky, buttery sauce. This quick and easy meal combines perfectly cooked linguine with a rich blend of spices, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure everything is well coated.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Immediately plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
