Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and hearty American main course that combines tender, spiced chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine pasta. A quick and easy stovetop recipe, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for added aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the edges. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat it in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti based on your preference.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before adding the pasta.
