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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

This restaurant-quality pasta dish combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cayenne pepper, oregano, and dried parsley.
  4. Combine everything: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  5. Serve and garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta: Cook linguine al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce. Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps create a smoother, creamier sauce that clings to the pasta. Adjust spice level: Start with less cayenne if you're sensitive to heat - you can always add more. Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to jarred or powdered alternatives. Let chicken rest: Don't skip letting the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.