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To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These fresh ingredients bring flavor and joy to this dish. The chicken adds protein, while the butter creates a rich sauce. Garlic and spices give it a kick. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet touch, and lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh parsley and Parmesan finish it off, making it look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Next, let’s cook the chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the pan. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. When the chicken is browned and cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Let it melt. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells nice. Be careful not to let it burn. After that, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them soft but still holding their shape. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together so the flavors blend. Now, pour in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything together. Slowly add the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Carefully fold it into the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for another minute to let the flavors mix. Serve it hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy! To make great linguine, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and stir it gently. Cook until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps make the sauce creamy. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Always check that the chicken is cooked through before serving. Use fresh garlic for a strong flavor. Sauté it until it smells nice, but do not burn it. Add the cherry tomatoes to the cowboy butter and cook until soft. This adds a sweet taste that pairs well with the spices. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine warm. Top it with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley can significantly enhance the flavor of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the linguine al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta, making for a creamier dish. {{image_2}} If you want a twist, you can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu, on the other hand, is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press the tofu first to get rid of excess water. Then, cube it and sauté until golden. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free linguine. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Both add a fresh crunch and are low in carbs. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Try bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Cook them with the chicken to soak up all the flavors. You can even toss in some peas for color and sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. You can store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, take the pasta out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat for about two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. In a skillet, add a splash of water and heat on low until warm. To freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, portion it into small containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand. Label the containers with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne or fettuccine work well. Each pasta has its own taste and texture. Choose what you like best. Just keep cooking times in mind. To add heat, use more cayenne pepper. You can also add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect spice level. Great sides include garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. Choose sides that are light and refreshing to complement the meal. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Reheat gently, so the pasta and chicken stay tender. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to fresh parsley. I detailed easy steps to cook the dish and included helpful tips to enhance flavor. We also explored variations and storage tips for leftovers. In summary, this dish is simple and full of flavor. It’s perfect for any dinner. Enjoy making it your own, and happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A delicious and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken in a buttery garlic sauce with cherry tomatoes and spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • to taste none 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. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter (1/4 cup) and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
  • Finish the Dish: Pour in the lemon juice and stir everything together. Add the reserved pasta water slowly, mixing until the sauce is well combined.
  • Add Linguine: Carefully fold in the cooked linguine and toss to coat it in the cowboy butter sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
Keyword butter sauce, chicken, pasta