Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp)
- Remove and set aside
Step 2: Make Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
- Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes)
- Add lemon juice and chili flakes
- Simmer 2-3 minutes to combine flavors
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cook linguine according to package directions
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice chicken into strips
- Add chicken back to skillet with sauce
- Add cooked linguine and toss to coat
- Add pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately
Pro Tips for Success
- Perfect Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking - 165°F is the target temperature
- Sauce Consistency: Save pasta water to adjust sauce thickness - it contains starch that helps bind everything together
- Garlic Tip: Don't let garlic brown or it will become bitter - keep heat at medium
- Time Saver: Cook pasta while preparing chicken and sauce for maximum efficiency
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 650 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 85mg |
| Iron | 3mg |