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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika pasta, cowboy butter chicken, easy chicken linguine