Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring golden-brown chicken topped with a bold, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce infused with herbs and spices, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this indulgent yet easy recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken and mix everything together.
- Serve: Plate the dish, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with extra parsley and thyme.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less spice.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: chicken
- Method: Skillet, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
