Go Back

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines succulent chicken with a rich, buttery sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Chicken
  • 12 ounces linguine pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted is recommended.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese For a savory finish.
  • 1/2 of a lemon Juice of Add zest.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
  • to taste Chopped fresh parsley For garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken strips and season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  3. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and well-combined.
Combining
  1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Customize by adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Leftovers can be used in a pasta bake.