Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Print-Friendly)

Tender chicken and linguine coated in a rich, herb-infused cowboy butter sauce that's both creamy and packed with bold flavors.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 8 oz linguine pasta
03 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ Cowboy Butter Sauce

04 - ½ cup unsalted butter
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste
12 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Garnish

13 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
04 - In the same skillet used for chicken, melt remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, parsley, and thyme, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
05 - Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce reaches desired consistency.
07 - Gently fold sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Divide among plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - This dish combines the rich flavors of cowboy butter with tender chicken and pasta for a hearty meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners.