Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and gooey plant-based cheese all combined in a rich natural gelling agent sauce. This flavorful recipe balances smoky, savory, and subtly spiced elements, making it perfect for an impressive weeknight meal or special dinner that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz linguine pasta
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Slice smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and dice chicken breasts evenly for quick and uniform cooking. Mince garlic and chop parsley while bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. This reserved water will help to loosen the sauce later.
Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan to use as a base for the sauce.
Sauté Chicken and Garlic: Add diced chicken to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook until golden and no longer pink inside. Toss in minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in butter along with chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while whisking constantly to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
Combine and Finish: Add cooked linguine, crispy smoked turkey bacon, baby spinach, and plant-based cheese to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed, until the cheese melts and spinach wilts, coating the linguine evenly.
Plate and Garnish: Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley for a colorful, fresh finishing touch.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for smooth incorporation and a clump-free sauce.
Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta finishes cooking in the sauce for perfect texture.
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to noodles better.
Add garlic after chicken is browned to avoid bitter burnt garlic pieces.
Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
Add fresh parsley last for a fresh color and flavor boost.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon pasta, creamy linguine recipe