Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

🛒 Ingredients (Check Off As You Measure)

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tbsp butter, garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add chicken back to the skillet.
5. Toss in cooked linguine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.