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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich butter and garlic sauce with smoked paprika. Tossed with perfectly al dente linguine and fresh parsley, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold, rustic flavors with a comforting, indulgent texture, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 12 oz linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a hot pan, melt a bit of butter and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, forming a flavorful base for the dish.
  2. Cook the Linguine: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same pan used for the chicken, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, then mix in the fresh parsley for brightness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked linguine into the buttery sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, smooth texture. Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything until well coated and evenly mixed.
  5. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and flavor infusion.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to maintain texture when combined with the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta for a glossy finish.
  • Sear chicken well to lock in juices and deepen flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving for a fresh and vibrant taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy chicken pasta, buttery garlic pasta, smoked paprika chicken, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine/