Here’s a decadent recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, combining tender chicken, a buttery, herby sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting!
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz linguine, cooked according to package instructions
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine:
- Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, season the chicken slices with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, and oregano. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the butter sauce.
- Toss to coat, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta. Toss to combine.
5. Serve:
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness!
Tips
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Customize: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Enjoy your creamy, buttery, and bold Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! 🍝✨
