Description
A hearty and flavorful comfort dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, buttery garlic herb sauce served over perfectly cooked linguine pasta. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta blends smoky paprika and fresh herbs for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later. Set pasta aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken and let rest.
- Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for easy mixing with the pasta and sauce.
- Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ cup butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and herbs release their aroma.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the buttery herb sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the sliced chicken strips back into the skillet and toss again to distribute evenly throughout the pasta and sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta onto plates or serving bowls. Generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory finish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally sprinkle additional fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps sauce cling better to pasta.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick or omit for a milder flavor.
- Butter quantity can be adjusted slightly depending on preferred richness.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor but dried can be substituted with smaller quantities.
- The dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
