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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a rich, creamy butter sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat. Combined with perfectly cooked linguine and fresh parsley, this comforting yet bold pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with delicious, home-cooked flavors.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken Breast or Thighs – 1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta

  • Linguine Pasta – 8 oz

Sauce

  • Butter – 4 tbsp (divided)
  • Fresh Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1 cup
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh Parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese – 1/4 cup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, then pour in the heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure it evenly coats the pasta and chicken.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving hot. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for a smoother, faster melting sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling well to the linguine.
  • Fresh garlic yields the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level.
  • Optional: Substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variations.
  • To make dairy-free, swap butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy pasta, butter sauce, smoked paprika, garlic pasta, quick dinner, spicy chicken pasta

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