Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
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
Pasta
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
- 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.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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