Description
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked to perfection in a buttery, garlicky cream sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and smoky paprika. Tossed with linguine and Parmesan cheese, this comforting American-style main course is perfect for an easy yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the linguine. Prepare the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Season and cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried parsley, cooking briefly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with cream and cheese. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it well with the creamy sauce. Add the drained linguine and the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together until the linguine is evenly coated with the sauce and creamy in texture.
- Serve immediately. Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine while hot, garnishing if desired, and enjoy the comforting dish right away.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried herbs for a brighter taste.
- To make a gluten-free version, substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta.
