Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but impressive.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and stir until thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 5: Combine sliced chicken and drained linguine in the skillet. Toss to coat well in the sauce and heat through for an additional minute.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thigh fillets for a juicier texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adding a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce can add color and extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with many kinds of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape to suit your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Tossed with linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir the sauce continuously until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water gradually.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken well in the creamy sauce. Heat through for another minute to blend the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among plates and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy to avoid dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, butter chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick pasta recipe
