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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, buttery sauce, and al dente linguine, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz linguine pasta cooked al dente
Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
Seasonings
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika for a smoky flavor
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder for depth
  • Salt salt to taste
  • Pepper pepper to taste
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Grated parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Method
 

Cooking the Linguine
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Garlic
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combining with Linguine
  1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to combine all the ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until melted and well combined.
Serving
  1. Plate the linguine and top with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For added juiciness, substitute chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs. For a vegetarian version, use grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. Avoid overcooking the linguine for best texture.