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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A creamy, savory pasta dish combining tender chicken and rich buttery sauce, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • for garnish Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. In the same pot, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, but save a bit of pasta water for later (about half a cup).
Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  2. Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Combining the Pasta and Chicken
  1. Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot with fresh parsley, thyme, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding chicken broth if needed.