Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a deliciously creamy and smoky pasta dish featuring tender strips of seasoned chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with cherry tomatoes, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe balances rich flavors and an easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Finishing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Add to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together until well mixed and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro make excellent alternative garnishes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
