Go Back

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent chicken and a flavor-packed sauce, all made in one pan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Seasoned with spices and cooked until golden.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Divided use for cooking chicken and making sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a rich flavor to the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz linguine pasta Cook according to package instructions.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves You can substitute with dried thyme.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional, for a bit of heat.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens up the dish.
  • Freshly grated to taste Parmesan cheese For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a large pot and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside when done.
Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining butter.
  2. Add minced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well, and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet.
  2. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing everything together until well-coated.
Serving
  1. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.
  2. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.