Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A creamy and spicy pasta dish combining tender chicken, linguine, and a rich sauce, perfect for family meals or date nights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz linguine pasta You can substitute with another type of pasta, like fettuccine.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces Use leftover chicken to save time.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For searing the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter Cowboy-style herb butter or plain unsalted.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level.
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Plus extra for garnish.
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Can add more for serving.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine to al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Searing the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Building the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter, then garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Deglazing and Enriching
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then pour in heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits. Let simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Finishing the Sauce
- Add remaining butter and Parmesan, stirring until melted and silky. If needed, thin with reserved pasta water for a smooth texture.
Tossing Together
- Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss until well coated in sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with extra parsley (and more Parmesan if you like). Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.