Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, hearty pasta dish featuring tender, spiced chicken breasts sautéed in a rich buttery garlic sauce, tossed with linguine and fresh herbs. This easy one-pan meal combines smoky paprika and herbs with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces linguine (or your favorite pasta)

Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Herbs and Garnish

½ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the buttery garlic sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
Finish with Herbs and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives for brightness and freshness. Serve immediately, sprinkling each portion with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
For a richer sauce, use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness; avoid bottled lemon juice for the best flavor.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or to suit dietary preferences.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, smoky paprika chicken, lemon garlic linguine, quick dinner, one-pan pasta