Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings together the boldness of Western flavors with creamy, spiced chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance. Pasta lovers will adore this quick and easy dinner that combines zesty butter sauce with tender chicken for a seriously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Salt and pepper 12 oz linguine generously. Cook in boiling water for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside.
- Pat 2 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper across both sides of the meat.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to cutting board. Slice into thin strips against the grain while the meat remains warm.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt 2 tbsp butter and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for an additional 15-20 seconds.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream into the skillet. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add sliced chicken, cooked linguine, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated.
- Plate the linguine immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add extra red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to your personal spice preference.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for less richness.
- Ensure chicken is sliced against the grain to keep meat tender and prevent chewiness.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference, so use finely chopped parsley just before serving for maximum flavor and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg