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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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