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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast and rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and smoked paprika. This easy weeknight dinner combines comforting flavors with a hint of spice, making it the perfect quick meal for busy nights or cozy gatherings.

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

  • Season & Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. In a skillet, melt half the butter and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked (6–7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

  • Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

  • Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  • Combine Everything: Slice the chicken. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss with sauce and reserved pasta water. Add sliced chicken and mix well.

  • Serve: Plate pasta and chicken. Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and thyme. Serve warm.

Notes

  • To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

  • Swap chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a twist.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

  • Reheat with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

  • To make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and skip Parmesan.

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine/