Creamy Cowboy Chicken Linguine (Printable Version)

Tender chicken, bell peppers, and cheesy sauce blend with linguine for a comforting dinner packed with flavor.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz linguine pasta

→ Protein

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

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 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

→ Cheese

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

→ Garnish

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

# Steps to Cook:

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

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Add jalapenos or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood version. Corn or black beans enhance texture and flavor. Use whole wheat or gluten-free linguine to suit dietary needs. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.