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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken and buttery sauce served over al dente linguine, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz linguine pasta Use any preferred type of linguine.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with shrimp or tofu.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Divided into two portions.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a mild spice.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Can use low-sodium broth.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Provides creaminess to the sauce.
Garnishes
  • to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish Optional for decoration and added flavor.
  • to taste Parmesan cheese, for serving Optional, enhances the dish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining and Serving
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the cooked linguine.
  2. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
  4. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with family and friends!

Notes

For the ultimate cooking experience, feel free to add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken.