Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich buttery sauce infused with garlic and smoked paprika. Combined with perfectly cooked linguine and finished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a comforting yet exciting meal suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This helps build the bold cowboy-inspired flavor base.
- Cook the Linguine: Boil the linguine in well-salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and an additional pinch of smoked paprika, simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until fully done, allowing the chicken to develop a slight golden crust while soaking up the creamy buttery sauce.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to a silky consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for even melting and a smoother sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Prefer fresh garlic over garlic powder for a more fragrant, authentic taste.
- Simmer the sauce gently to let flavors meld perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika pasta, cowboy butter chicken, easy chicken linguine