Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with smoky spices and sautéed garlic, all coated in a rich butter and cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained linguine. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste to adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it entirely to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency; add it gradually as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
