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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. Infused with smoky paprika, chili powder, and fresh herbs, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Enjoy a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors in a family-friendly recipe that’s easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips

Pasta

  • 12 oz linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized strips and season generously with salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Build the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring and allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained linguine. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy butter sauce. Stir in fresh parsley or cilantro and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken; cook just until opaque to maintain juiciness, as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic for a sharper and more vibrant flavor compared to dried garlic.
  • Reserve pasta water to naturally thicken the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Add cream slowly over medium heat to avoid curdling and achieve a velvety texture.
  • Stir in fresh herbs right before serving to keep flavors bright and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken linguine, creamy pasta, quick dinner, smoky pasta, weeknight meals, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine/