Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and a rich natural sauce that beautifully coats every strand of linguine. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, featuring bold smoky and tangy flavors balanced with fresh herbs and a luscious creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

2 chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Pasta

8 oz linguine pasta

Sauce and Flavorings

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 tbsp plant-based butter
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
1 tsp natural gelling agent (e.g., agar or carrageenan)
1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste

Herbs and Garnishes

2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped shallots to the skillet. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, forming the flavor base for the sauce.
Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Stir in plant-based butter, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Add the natural gelling agent and stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the linguine smoothly.
Combine and Finish: Return linguine, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet. Add shredded plant-based cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
Cook linguine al dente to maintain texture and absorb sauce better.
Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.
Sauté garlic and shallots gently over low heat to avoid bitterness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy pasta, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, quick dinner, weeknight meal