Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken bites cooked in rich cowboy butter, combined with al dente linguine and a spicy, savory cream sauce. Garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
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
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
Sauce
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- lemon slices, for garnish
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken bites with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Then add half of the cowboy butter and continue cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining cowboy butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring until the sauce is warmed through and well combined, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Combine Dish: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness to the dish.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken immediately. Garnish each serving with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for best garnish flavor and appearance.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.
- For extra richness, you can increase the amount of cowboy butter slightly.
- Leftover cowboy butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
