Description
Looking for your next weeknight dinner obsession? This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is packed with bold, buttery flavor and the perfect touch of heat, wrapped up in a velvety cream sauce. It’s everything you love about cowboy butter—garlic, lemon, herbs, and a spicy kick—turned into an easy dinner idea that comes together in under 30 minutes. If you’re into comfort food with attitude, this dish is your new go-to. Whether you’re after quick weeknight meals, delicious food ideas, or a bold twist on creamy pasta, this easy recipe delivers it all.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, then chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Sear until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne, and Italian seasoning. Let bloom for 30 seconds.
- Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add chicken back to skillet and simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Turn off heat. Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve immediately.