Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken in a flavorful buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat. A comforting and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
- 8 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the skillet, let rest, and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. If desired, stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are coated in the buttery sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
- Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version, or use tofu for a vegan option.
- Double the amount of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Feel free to substitute linguine with any pasta type you prefer, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
