Description
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken and linguine pasta with a rich, herb-infused cowboy butter sauce, creating a delightful dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chives, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Cook the Linguine Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Create the Sauce Base: Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up browned bits. Let reduce for 1 minute, then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cowboy Butter: Reduce the heat and stir half of the cowboy butter into the skillet until melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked linguine, tossing with tongs and adding reserved pasta water until achieving the desired sauce consistency. Stir in remaining cowboy butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For best results, make the cowboy butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or substitute shrimp for chicken to vary the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg