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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Close-up of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine coated in creamy orange sauce and topped with fresh parsley.
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A quick and flavorful pasta dish combining chicken, creamy sauce, and spices, suitable for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
  8. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until the sauce is smooth.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated.
  10. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
  • For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter.
  • If you do not have smoked paprika, use regular paprika, but the flavor profile will change.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken linguine, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy chicken, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/easy-cowboy-butter-chicken-linguine/