Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that brings a touch of smoky spice to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, buttery sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with several layers of cooked fettuccine pasta mixed with pieces of grilled chicken. The pasta is creamy with a light orange sauce covering the noodles, giving them a smooth and slightly glossy texture. On top and throughout the pasta, there are small green parsley flakes scattered, adding color contrast. The grilled chicken pieces are golden brown with a slightly charred texture, placed evenly among the noodles. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz linguine

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from heat and slice the chicken.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth; let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.

Step 5: Add the sliced chicken and the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Heat through for an additional minute.

Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder in place of some smoked paprika.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference compared to pre-grated cheese.

Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and depth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. Be sure to taste as you go to reach your preferred heat level.