Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken strips sautéed in a spiced buttery sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Infused with garlic, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, this 30-minute recipe is perfect for a comforting yet quick dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken strips with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and well combined.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Stir and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the cowboy butter sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked linguine, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining as it helps to create a creamy sauce when combined with Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce butter quantity or substitute with olive oil, but flavor will be less rich.
