Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a smoky, garlicky butter sauce. The sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice from smoked paprika and chili flakes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes according to taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
- Lemon juice adds brightness but is optional depending on your taste preference.
