Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce served with perfectly cooked linguine, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces Linguine, uncooked
- 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup Butter, unsalted
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon Paprika, smoked or sweet
- Salt and pepper, to taste Season to preference
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for topping) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and then the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, mixing well, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and paprika. Let it simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix in the cooked linguine, tossing to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate all flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
If substituting ingredients, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.