Creamy Cowboy Chicken Linguine
This dish features tender chicken, crispy smoky bacon, and linguine tossed in a luscious creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of spice. It’s comfort food with a rustic Western flair — the kind that tastes like it came straight from a campfire, but with the elegance of a restaurant-style pasta.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta
10 oz (280 g) linguine (or fettuccine)
Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce
4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).
Drain, reserve ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Saute chicken until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp.
Add onions and bell peppers, saute until softened (3–4 minutes).
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Stir in butter, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, then add Parmesan and cheddar cheese.
Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 4:Combine
1. Add the cooked chicken and linguine into the sauce.
2. Toss to coat evenly — if too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
3. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or green onions.
Optional: top with extra crispy bacon bits for crunch!
Notes & Tips
Lighter version: Use milk instead of cream and skip bacon for a leaner dish.
Smoky touch: Add a dash of liquid smoke or BBQ seasoning.
Add veggies: Mushrooms, corn, or spinach pair perfectly.
Cheese swap: Use pepper jack for a spicier twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred it and stir into the sauce right before combining with pasta.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free linguine or brown rice pasta.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes — reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~690 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 54g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 3g