Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Featuring tender chicken breasts, rich butter sauce, and a perfect blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for more color and nutrients.
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Protein Swap: Shrimp or grilled steak can be used instead of chicken.
