Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This cowboy butter chicken linguine is a creamy, savory dish with a delightful spicy kick. It’s the kind of meal that combines rich flavors with a touch of heat, all wrapped in a silky, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to spice preference
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz linguine pasta cooked al dente
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and onion powder. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Use any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.