Description
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with a kick of spice. Tossed with al dente linguine and finished with fresh parsley, it delivers a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice to the butter and garlic mixture, blending well.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat, then stir in heavy cream and continue simmering for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Add some reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening for a smoother texture.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- For added richness, top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- This dish works great with shrimp as an alternative to chicken for a seafood twist.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
