Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

$- 400g linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you need some key items. First, choose a good pasta. Linguine is flat and cooks well, making it perfect for this dish. You also need chicken for protein. Boneless, skinless breasts work best because they cook quickly. The star of the show is cowboy butter. It adds rich flavor and depth. To make the cowboy butter, mix softened butter with garlic powder and fresh herbs. This blend makes any dish taste amazing. Fresh vegetables make this meal tasty, too. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while baby spinach adds color and nutrients. The seasoning is simple yet effective. Smoked paprika gives a warm flavor, and cayenne pepper adds a mild kick. Use salt and pepper to adjust the taste. - Large pot - Skillet - Mixing bowls - Measuring cups and spoons You will need a few cooking tools for this recipe. A large pot helps you cook the pasta evenly. A skillet is needed for sautéing the chicken and veggies. Mixing bowls help you combine ingredients easily. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts for each item. Follow the Full Recipe for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish. Enjoy cooking! To start, boil a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 400g of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, let's make the cowboy butter. You need 4 tablespoons of softened butter. In a small bowl, combine this butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of chopped herbs like parsley and chives. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Mix all the ingredients well. This cowboy butter will add great taste to your dish. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the cowboy butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season your chicken with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir the chicken often for about 5-7 minutes until it's golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the rest of the cowboy butter. Then, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 1 minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Finally, add 1 cup of baby spinach and stir until it wilts. Now it's time to mix everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything for about 2 minutes. If the mixture looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to make it saucy. Then, add the linguine to the skillet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it all together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For serving, plate the linguine in rustic bowls. Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a nice finish. You can also add lemon wedges for extra zest. Enjoy your cowboy butter chicken linguine! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine truly shine, adjust the spices to fit your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, cut back. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant taste compared to dried ones. Use fresh parsley and chives for the best flavor. They make a big difference in your sauce. Avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook it on medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often to ensure even cooking. You'll know it's done when the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside. This keeps it juicy and tender. Timing is key when cooking pasta. Follow the package instructions to get it just right. Test the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. Take a piece and bite into it. It should feel firm yet tender. This texture keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine section. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian twist, swap out the chicken for hearty ingredients like: - 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 cup of diced bell peppers - 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced These veggies add great texture and flavor. You can also include: - Zucchini, cut into small cubes - Broccoli florets for a green boost If you need a gluten-free meal, choose pasta made from: - Brown rice - Quinoa - Chickpeas These options give you a similar taste and texture. To adjust the sauce consistency, add more reserved pasta water as needed. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious. Want to change it up? You can add other proteins like: - Sliced steak or pork for a meaty bite - Shrimp for a seafood flair - Smoked sausage for a smoky taste These alternatives will enhance the dish’s flavor profile. They all pair well with the cowboy butter, making each bite special. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, use an airtight container. This helps the dish stay tasty and safe. Store it in your fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just remember to use freezer-safe containers. Frozen, it can last up to three months. When you want to enjoy leftovers, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to warm it evenly. If you prefer the stovetop, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the pasta moist. Always stir gently to avoid drying out the noodles. For the full recipe, check out the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine details. Cowboy butter is a tasty compound butter. It combines butter with herbs and spices. This mix adds rich flavor to many dishes. You can make it at home easily. Just mix softened butter, garlic powder, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. That's your cowboy butter! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta but leave the veggies out. Store the chicken and pasta in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just sauté the veggies and combine everything. Reheat on the stove for best results. I love serving this dish with a simple salad. A fresh garden salad pairs nicely. You can also serve it with crusty bread. Garlic bread is a great choice too! It soaks up the buttery sauce and adds extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! This article covers how to prepare a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We explored key ingredients like linguine, chicken, and fresh veggies. You learned about essential tools, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to enhance your dish. Whether you prefer vegetarian or gluten-free options, variations suit all tastes. Lastly, we discussed storage tips and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create a tasty meal enjoyed by everyone. Get cooking and enjoy!$

Discover a delightful twist on pasta with our Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe! This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is ready in just 30 minutes and serves four. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty and easy dinner idea!

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Ingredients

400g linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see note below)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup baby spinach

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley and chives), and a pinch of salt. This is your cowboy butter!

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of the cowboy butter. Once melted, add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the baby spinach. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. If needed, add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Mix in the Linguine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss until all ingredients are well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve: Plate the linguine in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in rustic bowls for a cowboy vibe and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Add some lemon wedges on the side for an additional zest!

Note: Cowboy butter is a compound butter that has flavor from herbs and spices, perfect for enhancing the dish!