Creamy Cowboy Chicken Linguine (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and vibrant peppers in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with linguine pasta.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz linguine pasta

→ Protein

02 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced

→ Spices

07 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp chili powder
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

11 - 1 cup chicken broth
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Cheeses

14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnishes

16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
17 - Sliced green onions

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Prepare linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes until peppers soften.
04 - Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Let simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to integrate flavors.
08 - Plate the linguine and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For added heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.