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the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender cubed chicken seared to perfection and tossed in a luscious homemade cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley. This one-pan comfort meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying texture that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz linguine
  • Salted water, for boiling
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss immediately with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Season and Sear the Chicken: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss the cubed chicken with this seasoning mix until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and place on a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and use the same skillet without cleaning it. Add the softened butter to the pan and melt gently. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, whisking to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese; stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, being careful not to let it boil.
  4. Bring It All Together: Return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss together thoroughly using tongs. If the sauce is too thick or clings too tightly, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen and emulsify the sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Garnish with additional parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with lemon slices or wedges on the side for a vibrant, zesty contrast.

Notes

  • Use high-quality European-style butter for a deeper, richer flavor in the sauce.
  • Ensure chicken cubes are uniform in size (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
  • Keep sauce at low heat after adding cream to prevent it from separating.
  • Reserved pasta water is key to creating a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
  • For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more color and nutrients.
  • Try swapping chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu for variety.
  • Cooked chicken and pre-mixed sauce base can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead to save time.
  • Refreshing pre-cooked pasta in hot water for 30 seconds helps reheat without overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, garlic butter sauce, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/the-best-cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine-recipe/