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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dish Recipe


3.9 from 28 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts tossed with linguine pasta in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with fresh herbs, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, this meal combines classic flavors with a creamy, savory sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine pasta

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Additional fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  4. Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then slice into thin strips for serving.
  5. Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta with the buttery herb sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  8. Add Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the pasta and sauce.
  9. Serve: Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, then generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally garnish with extra fresh parsley or thyme leaves and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and make it silky smooth.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes amount to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of chicken broth or water.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American