Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful American main course dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces tossed with linguine pasta in a creamy, spicy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon. This stovetop recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal that combines smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with a comforting pasta base.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the remaining water.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
- This dish can be made with shrimp or steak instead of chicken for variety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
