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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz linguine pasta (or your favorite pasta) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and black pepper to taste - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese - Large pot - Skillet - Tongs or large spoon Gather these ingredients and tools to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Each item plays a big role in creating flavor and texture. The chicken provides protein, while the linguine adds heartiness. Butter brings richness, and the spices create depth. Don’t forget the garnishes; they add color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy the cooking process, and get ready for a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 oz of linguine. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save ½ cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When it melts, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add 4 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mix for about 1 minute while stirring. The garlic should smell nice, but be careful not to burn it. Now, add ½ cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Stir everything together until well mixed. Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the pasta with the sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and flavor. Serve the linguine hot. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for anyone who wants to add some. Enjoy this tasty dish! Choosing the right cut of chicken I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use thighs if you want a richer flavor. Just remember, thighs may take a bit longer to cook. Cooking techniques for tenderness To keep chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook it until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices in. Ensuring perfect al dente texture Start by boiling plenty of salted water. Add the linguine and cook it for 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. This is called al dente. Using pasta water effectively Before draining the pasta, save half a cup of the water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick better to the pasta. You can add it slowly to get the right consistency. Additional spices to consider You can add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also boost flavor. Just add them in small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish. Alternative ingredients for variations For a twist, try adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach. You could also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Adjust the cooking times to match your choice of protein. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Timing: Ensure your linguine is cooked al dente before adding it to the sauce. This will help it absorb the flavors without becoming mushy. Adjust Spice Level: The cayenne pepper can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for a kick that suits your taste! Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh parsley as a garnish not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step for a vibrant finish! Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta. Don’t forget to reserve some before draining! {{image_4}} You can add seasonal vegetables to your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Fresh veggies make your dish colorful and healthy. Consider using zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These veggies cook quickly, so add them to your skillet after the chicken. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until tender. This way, you keep the crunch while getting great flavor. Want to change up the protein? Try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a lovely taste. Use about 1 pound of shrimp. Just sauté it in the butter until pink, then set it aside. For tofu, use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Cook it in the same way as the chicken, about 6-8 minutes. Adjust the seasoning by adding a bit more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors. If you need a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that taste great. Just cook it like regular pasta, following the package directions. When it comes to the sauce, make sure your spices and other ingredients are gluten-free. You can enjoy a tasty Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine without any worries. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, store it right. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. This helps lock in flavors and keeps the food safe. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. When reheating, avoid drying out your meal. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the skillet with a lid. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. Aim for a safe reheating temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Freezing is a great way to save extra servings. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals later. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a delicious meal. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Here are some great options: - Fettuccine - Penne - Spaghetti - Gluten-free pasta Each type gives a unique taste and texture. Just make sure to cook it as per the package instructions. Absolutely! You can make this dish dairy-free by using: - Dairy-free butter or margarine - Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese These swaps keep the flavor rich without dairy. To reduce the spice, consider these tips: - Cut the cayenne pepper in half - Omit it altogether - Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess These changes help adjust the heat to your liking. Here are some tasty side dishes: - Garlic bread for dipping - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for added color and flavor These sides complement the dish well and round out your meal. This blog post guides you through making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We covered the main ingredients, helpful tools, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfect chicken and pasta, along with variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers correctly for freshness. Now, you have all the tools to create a tasty meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this delightful recipe!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A delicious and flavorful chicken pasta dish with a buttery garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz linguine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 piece fresh lemon, zest and juice
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 to serve grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate; set aside.
  • Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Combine with Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the zest and juice of the lemon. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  • Incorporate the Linguine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the buttery sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness. Serve the linguine hot, with grated Parmesan cheese offered on the side for guests to add as desired.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
Keyword butter sauce, chicken, pasta