Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast and linguine tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and a touch of smoky spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal balances creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors for a satisfying dinner experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add garlic powder or minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer gently and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss Chicken and Pasta in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor and freshness. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the linguine with additional chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve the dish warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for additional nutrition and color.
- Omit cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish with less heat.
