Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish made with juicy chicken, rich cowboy butter sauce, and silky linguine. Ready in 30 minutes with bold garlic, herbs, paprika, and lemon for a buttery-smooth finish.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz linguine pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2–3 minutes and adjust seasoning.
6. Slice cooked chicken into strips.
7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
8. Fold in sliced chicken, mix well, and top with grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook chicken; check internal temperature for doneness.
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried can be used at smaller amounts.
Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for extra heat.
Use any pasta type you prefer; linguine works beautifully.
Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg