Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with smoky spices and tossed in a rich Parmesan butter sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances the smoky depth of paprika and Italian seasoning with the creaminess of butter and heavy cream, finished with a fresh parsley garnish and an optional splash of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta and 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, and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is 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 sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. If desired, squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without diluting the flavors.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be slightly less rich.
- Pasta types like penne, fusilli or spaghetti all work well, choose based on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
