Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, zesty, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken bites, a rich buttery sauce with a hint of spice, and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s an indulgent and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For the 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 pepper
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
3️⃣ Add cowboy butter:
Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
4️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Stir until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5️⃣ Combine pasta and chicken:
Add the cooked linguine and the chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
6️⃣ Add lemon juice:
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Transfer the linguine to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cowboy butter tip: Cowboy butter is a mix of melted butter, garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. If unavailable, you can make your own or substitute with garlic butter.
- Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4