Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky butter sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice into strips.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Add the sliced chicken back into the sauce along with the cooked linguine. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Step 8: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smokiness, try adding a dash of smoked salt or smoked gouda cheese.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different protein option.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes gradually.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese flavor, nutritional yeast can be a suitable replacement.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic and smoked paprika-infused butter sauce. Combined with a creamy parmesan sauce and finished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that come together in a comforting linguine meal.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz linguine

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Once rested, slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
5. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Finish the sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend smoothly into the sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked linguine and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for color and fresh flavor. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately while warm.

Notes

• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, garlic butter sauce, comfort food pasta