Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty and flavorful American main course that combines tender chicken breast with a spicy, buttery sauce tossed with al dente linguine pasta. The dish features a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
- This dish can be made with shrimp or steak instead of chicken for variety.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
