Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese in a luscious buttery sauce made with a natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Proteins and Pasta
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced – 1 lb (450 g)
- Smoked turkey bacon – 6 slices
- Linguine pasta – 12 oz (340 g)
Dairy and Fats (Plant-based)
- Plant-based cheese, shredded – 1 cup (about 100 g)
- Butter substitute with natural gelling agent – 3 tbsp
- Heavy plant-based cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
Flavorings and Aromatics
- Natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce – 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Shallots, finely chopped – 2 medium
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
- Fresh chives, chopped – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to use later for sauce consistency.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan to help build the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the butter substitute with natural gelling agent until melted. Pour in the natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and heavy plant-based cream. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add reserved pasta water as needed if the sauce becomes too thick to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked linguine and crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces into the skillet, gently mixing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Fold in the plant-based cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and chives over the linguine, adding a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcook the linguine; keep it al dente for best texture.
- Save pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Keep the sauce simmer on low to prevent curdling of plant-based cream.
- Add fresh herbs last minute to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy pasta, dairy-free chicken linguine, plant-based cheese pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, quick dinner recipe
