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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

5.1 from 10 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, spice-seasoned chicken cooked in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon. This comforting and hearty meal combines the smoky and spicy flavors of the west with classic Italian linguine pasta for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Linguine: Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the empty side and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, add the butter to the skillet, and let it melt, combining with the chicken and garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to mix the ingredients well.
  5. Add Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the buttery, cheesy sauce and chicken.
  7. Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta and stir in the chopped parsley to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
  8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra flavorful touch.

Notes

  • Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level; omit if sensitive to heat.
  • Cook linguine just al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting consistency.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken linguine, butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, cowboy butter chicken linguine, easy pasta dinner, hearty chicken pasta