Print

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Print Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick, creamy, and flavorful weeknight dinner combining tender chicken strips with a rich buttery sauce, smoked paprika, and perfectly cooked linguine. This comforting yet elegant dish is simple to prepare, uses versatile pantry staples, and delivers irresistible taste and texture in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

Pasta

  • 8 ounces linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips for quick cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked linguine directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly so the sauce coats every bite.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the linguine for a bright contrast. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better sear.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente linguine holds up best in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce to the noodles.
  • Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to garlic powder.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to avoid steaming and ensure a nice sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe, weeknight meal, easy chicken linguine, butter sauce pasta

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