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- 12 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You need a few key ingredients to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. First, the pasta is essential. I use 12 oz of linguine. It cooks quickly and pairs well with the sauce. You also need 1 lb of diced chicken breast for protein. This gives the dish a hearty feel. Butter is the star flavor here. I recommend 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. This helps create that rich cowboy butter taste. Garlic is another must. Four cloves minced adds depth and aroma to the dish. For a smoky flavor, include 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Dried oregano, about 1 teaspoon, adds a nice herbal note. If you like spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but adjust it to your taste. Freshness comes from 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These brighten the dish. Lastly, you will need the zest and juice of 1 lemon. This adds a zing that balances the butter. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, plus some grated Parmesan cheese for serving. You can grab all these ingredients to whip up this tasty meal. For more details on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add the linguine and cook it according to the package. - Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. - In a large skillet, melt a quarter cup of butter over medium-high heat. - Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. - Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. - Once the butter melts, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. - Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant. - Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with halved cherry tomatoes. - Stir to coat everything in the buttery sauce. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. - Toss the drained linguine with the chicken and sauce until well mixed. - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions and ingredient list. For juicy chicken, cook it for about 6-8 minutes. This time helps the chicken stay moist. Always check that it reaches 165°F. Season the chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the taste. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavor. To get the best cowboy butter taste, use fresh garlic. Sauté it until it smells great, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust spices, too. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper. You can also toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist. To achieve al dente linguine, cook it just until firm. Follow package instructions closely. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Just add a splash if the sauce is too thick. {{image_2}} You can add a kick to your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. To make it spicy, simply add more cayenne pepper or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mix. For those who love heat, try adding fresh jalapeños. Slice them thin and toss them in while cooking the chicken. You’ll get a nice, fiery taste that elevates every bite. If you want a meatless version, swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Mushrooms can give a rich, earthy flavor. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. For vegan options, adjust the cowboy butter recipe. Instead of butter, use olive oil or vegan butter for a creamy base that still tastes fantastic. Feel free to get creative with this dish. Toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. This adds freshness and makes it more filling. You can also experiment with different types of pasta. Try penne or fusilli for a fun twist on the classic linguine. Each shape brings a new texture and experience to your meal. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, you should refrigerate it. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and prevent any unwanted smells. If you have a lot left, you can divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it over several days. When reheating, you want to avoid dryness. The best method is to use the stovetop. Add a small splash of water or broth to the pan. Heat it on low, stirring gently until warm. This helps bring back the tasty flavors. You can also add a bit of butter for richness. Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! To do this, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture. It takes about 30 minutes to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add great flavor and stay juicy. - Pros: Thighs are more tender and flavorful. - Cons: They may take longer to cook. Yes, this dish is kid-friendly. Kids love pasta and buttery flavors. - Tips: Cut chicken into small pieces. You can also add cheese for extra appeal. You can serve this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad. - Suggestions: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - Caesar salad for a fresh contrast Yes, you can prep some parts ahead of time. - Cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. - Store them in the fridge until you're ready to combine. - This helps keep the flavors fresh and saves time. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy your cooking! In this post, we explored how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We covered ingredients, tools, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. This dish is versatile and can be made spicy or vegetarian. Remember to reserve pasta water for the best texture. Store leftovers properly and try different pairings or variations. Enjoy creating this tasty meal that your family will love! Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Indulge in a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that's sure to impress! This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and a hint of spice, all tossed with linguine for a satisfying meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and quick prep, you'll have dinner on the table in no time. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and enjoy a taste of the Wild West in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz linguine pasta

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat everything in the buttery mixture. If the sauce appears too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

          Mix with Linguine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and gently toss everything together until well combined. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the linguine with the buttery chicken and garnish with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4