Description

This bold and buttery Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rustic twist on pasta night, packed with creamy richness and a zesty kick. Juicy, perfectly seared chicken meets a smoky, garlicky butter sauce that clings to every strand of linguine, delivering a satisfying, flavor-packed bite. Perfect for quick dinners, family meals, or impressing guests with cowboy-style comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz linguine pasta
The Cowboy Butter Magic:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.

2. Cook the Linguine:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine according to package instructions, then drain (reserving some pasta water).

3. Cowboy Butter Sauce:

Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano—cook for another 30 seconds to enhance flavors.
Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water, letting the sauce come together.

4. Bring It All Together:

Toss cooked linguine in the buttery sauce until coated.
Add sliced chicken and mix everything well.

5. Serve Like a True Cowboy:

Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with additional pasta water.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Rustic