### Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Indulge in this creamy and spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, featuring tender chicken thighs tossed with linguine pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests!

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#### Full Ingredients
– **Pasta**:
– 1 pound linguine pasta
– **Chicken**:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– **Sauce**:
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– **Garnish**:
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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#### Full Instructions

1. **Preparing the Pasta**:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
– Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
– Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside.

2. **Cooking the Chicken**:
– In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat.
– Add seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring for a golden-brown crust.
– Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
– Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. **Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce**:
– Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
– Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well.
– Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add reserved pasta water if too thick.
– Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. **Combining the Pasta and Sauce**:
– Add drained linguine to the skillet and toss until well coated. Add more reserved pasta water if necessary.
– Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. **Serving the Dish**:
– Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
– Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese.
– Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, garnishing with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.

6. **Enjoying Your Meal**:
– Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.

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### Notes
– Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
– For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.

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### Prep Time
– 15 minutes

### Cook Time
– 25 minutes

### Total Time
– 40 minutes

### Yield
– Serves 4-6 people