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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a zesty, buttery sauce enriched with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the softened butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a silky, smooth sauce consistency. Stir in the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to finish the dish.
  5. Serve: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among plates and serve immediately. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amounts of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
  • For variation, swap the chicken with shrimp, thinly sliced steak, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
  • You can substitute linguine with other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Chicken Linguine, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner, American Cuisine, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine-recipe/