Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, rich butter, and bold spices. The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne creates a mouthwatering sauce, while a touch of lemon and Dijon mustard adds brightness and depth. With the addition of Parmesan and a creamy finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of cream cheese or a bit more heavy cream to the sauce.
- To boost the heat, increase the cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add veggies such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American