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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Big Family Dinners

This cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe combines tender chicken with linguine noodles tossed in a decadent cowboy butter sauce, creating a rich, creamy pasta dish perfect for feeding a crowd. The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable family meal that everyone will request again and again.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs linguine pasta
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Chicken - Season chicken cubes 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. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine Everything - Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Finish and Serve - Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

Double the recipe for larger gatherings; Use fresh parsley for brightness; Pasta water helps sauce cling to noodles; Adjust cayenne pepper for spice preference; Can make chicken and sauce ahead, combine with fresh pasta