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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, herb-packed pasta with juicy chicken thighs and garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

For the Cowboy Butter

  • ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • ½ lemon juice and zest

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz 340g linguine (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tsp salt

For the Chicken Pasta

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large shallot finely diced
  • 1 cup 150g sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange)
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
  • 4 tbsp cowboy butter from above
  • ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions
 

Make the cowboy butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice and zest. Refrigerate until needed.

    Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

      Season the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.

        Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 4 minutes until lightly golden (it will finish cooking later).

          Cook vegetables: Reduce heat slightly. Add shallot, sliced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and chicken is fully cooked through.

            Add cowboy butter: Stir in 4 tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter and let it melt into the chicken and vegetables.

              Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked linguine and toss well to coat in the buttery sauce.

                Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

                  Serve: Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.

                    Notes

                    • Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.