Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender strips of chicken cooked in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Perfectly tossed with your choice of pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon juice for brightness, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Then stir in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the luscious sauce. For an extra touch of brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice and mix well.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- You can use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti pasta based on your preference.
- For extra heat, keep the chili flakes in the recipe; omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness as needed.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a lovely color and fresh flavor.
- Cook chicken thoroughly until no longer pink inside and juices run clear for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
