Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy and savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese in a rich sauce brightened with apple cider vinegar. This simple yet gourmet recipe delivers a velvety texture, zesty tang, and comforting smoky flavor, perfect for a fulfilling weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Proteins and Pasta
- Chicken breast: 2 medium, sliced into thin strips
- Smoked turkey bacon: 4 slices
- Linguine pasta: 12 ounces
Sauce Ingredients
- Plant-based cheese: 1 cup shredded or sliced
- Plant-based butter: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Apple cider vinegar (natural): 2 tablespoons
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): 1 tablespoon
- Natural gelling agent: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Garnish
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips for quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat and oil in the skillet. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the plant-based butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the plant-based cheese until smooth. Use reserved pasta water and the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency ideal for coating the pasta.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand thoroughly. Chop the crispy smoked turkey bacon and sprinkle it on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to help the sauce cling better.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and achieve a silky texture.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to maintain tenderness.
- Chop parsley fresh to brighten the flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken linguine, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, weeknight dinner, savory pasta, apple cider vinegar sauce
