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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy buttery sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory garlic, Parmesan, and subtle smoky spices with silky linguine pasta for a hearty and indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized strips or cubes

Dairy

  • 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 12 oz linguine pasta

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes for even cooking. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to enhance the natural flavors.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the chicken, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Allow it to simmer gently and thicken, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing gently so every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly for perfect consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives and an extra dusting of Parmesan for a beautiful presentation and fresh flavor burst.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter: It melts evenly and blends better with cream for a smooth sauce.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook linguine so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and perfect for adjusting sauce thickness without watering down flavor.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan: Fresh cheese melts more smoothly compared to pre-grated packets.
  • Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken sit briefly before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy chicken pasta, butter chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy linguine recipe, chicken pasta skillet

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