Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with smoky spices and garlic, all tossed in a rich butter and cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines smoky paprika, aromatic thyme, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the linguine immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase or omit the optional cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and better melting in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency, adding silkiness without thinning flavors.
- Chicken can be substituted with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it remains tender and juicy when cooked properly.
