Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that balances spice and zest with creamy comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cook the chicken and garlic butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, allowing the butter to infuse with garlic flavor.
- Season and cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips to the skillet. Season them with paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Combine chicken with pasta: Stir in the lemon juice to the skillet for a fresh, zesty flavor boost. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is coated evenly with the buttery, spicy sauce and all flavors meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and brightness. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when combining the pasta with the chicken.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference; omit for a milder flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, so don’t skip it; however, you can substitute with lemon zest if preferred.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish for the best flavor and presentation, but fresh cilantro can be an alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
