Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with bold flavors and a buttery, garlicky kick. This dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with a rich cowboy butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, lemon, and herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Quick to make and impossible to resist, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
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
- Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook linguine until al dente.
- Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if needed.
- Combine & Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the cowboy butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency.
- Fold in the sliced chicken and mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra herbs.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- To make it creamy, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American