Creamy Chicken Linguine with Cowboy Butter Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and indulgent pasta dish that combines creamy textures with bold flavors, look no further! Creamy Chicken Linguine with Cowboy Butter Sauce is a delightful recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the wild west. This dish harmoniously combines the rich flavors of chicken, linguine, and a phenomenal cowboy butter sauce, making it the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date night meal.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken Linguine:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup spinach, fresh
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow it to simmer for a minute before adding in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Toss in the fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the spinach has wilted, and everything is well combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine Linguine and Chicken

7. Add the cooked linguine to the creamy sauce and toss until the pasta is well-coated. Fold in the sliced chicken breast, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce

8. In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
9. Add the minced garlic, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is fragrant and simmering gently for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

10. Plate the creamy chicken linguine and drizzle generously with the cowboy butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Linguine with Cowboy Butter Sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and flavorful. The combination of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and a luscious butter sauce creates a culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you enjoy it on a casual weeknight or serve it up for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite!