Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken bites sautéed in a rich cowboy butter sauce, combined with linguine and finished with a hint of lemon. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting meal brings a delightful blend of spices and a creamy texture perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup cowboy butter (divided)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Add Cowboy Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining cowboy butter along with the heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. Finish by stirring in the lemon juice for brightness.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
- If cowboy butter is not available, you can make a quick version by mixing butter with garlic, herbs, and spices such as paprika and cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
