Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Print Version)

Creamy, buttery linguine with tender chicken pieces, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon, ready in just 30 minutes for a flavorful meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 700g), cubed

→ Pasta

02 - 225g linguine pasta

→ Dairy

03 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 250ml heavy cream

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

05 - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - Juice of 1 lemon
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Liquids

10 - 250ml low-sodium chicken broth

# Steps:

01 - Mince the garlic, cube the chicken breasts, and chop the fresh parsley. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 60ml of pasta cooking water.
03 - Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
04 - Add minced garlic and smoked paprika to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
06 - Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice, stirring to incorporate.

# Notes:

01 - For added flavor, consider substituting chicken with shrimp or adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.