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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The main stars of this dish are the linguine pasta and the chicken. The butter adds rich flavor, while the spices bring warmth. Garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper create a vibrant sauce that dances on your taste buds. Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and contrast. - Different protein options - Variety of vegetables You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. This helps to fit your taste. Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. They add nutrition and color. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. - Fresh parsley - Grated Parmesan cheese Garnishes elevate the dish. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh taste. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a creamy finish. Both make your meal look and taste amazing. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to let the pasta swim freely. Once the water bubbles, add 8 oz of linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta well and set it aside in a bowl. Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once it sizzles, add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. To check for doneness, cut a piece in half. It should be white inside, with no pink. 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 stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Next, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a rich flavor. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the buttery sauce. Then, add the drained linguine to the mix. Use tongs to gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. If you want more flavor, don’t be shy! Just check the balance, and enjoy the deliciousness. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook the linguine for just 8-10 minutes. Check it often. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. - Enhancing flavor with salt: Always add salt to boiling water. This helps the pasta taste better while cooking. - Ensuring even cooking: Cut chicken into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use medium heat to avoid burning. - Flavor infusion tips: Season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor right from the start. You can also marinate it for 30 minutes for even more depth. - Adjusting liquid levels: If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth. Stir well to combine. You want a smooth, buttery sauce. - Thickening and thinning options: For thicker sauce, cook it longer to reduce it. If too thin, mix in a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it in slowly. For the full recipe, check out Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by using tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. Tofu soaks up flavors well, making it a great choice. Choose firm tofu for best results. Press the tofu to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Sauté it in butter until golden. Alternatively, use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Slice them and cook in the same way as the chicken. This swap keeps the dish rich and flavorful. If you like heat, make a spicy version of this dish. You can add more cayenne pepper or even jalapeños. Start with one extra teaspoon of cayenne for a good kick. If you prefer fresh heat, slice jalapeños and add them when you sauté the garlic. This change adds depth and a fun twist. Adjust the spice to your taste for the perfect balance. For a creamy twist, you can add cream or cream cheese to the sauce. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream after the butter sauce is ready. This will give your dish a rich, velvety texture. If you want a tangy flavor, mix in cream cheese instead. Let it melt into the sauce for a smooth finish. This variation makes the dish even more indulgent and satisfying. You can enjoy a creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine that feels special. To keep your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, start by letting it cool. Once cooled, place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. This will keep your meal tasty for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta easily. For the microwave, place the linguine in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer stovetop, heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir it for a few minutes until hot. Freezing this dish works well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stovetop or microwave methods I shared earlier. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime! Cowboy butter is a rich, flavorful sauce. It blends butter with spices and herbs. The taste is smoky, spicy, and buttery all at once. You get hints of garlic, paprika, and herbs like oregano and thyme. This sauce makes each bite of your dish packed with flavor. It’s a perfect match for chicken and pasta. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the linguine and chicken first. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can make the cowboy butter sauce too. Keep it in a jar. When you are ready, just heat everything up and combine. This makes busy nights easier and still delicious. You can pair this dish with many sides. A fresh green salad balances the meal well. Garlic bread is another tasty choice. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrients. You might also enjoy a simple coleslaw for crunch. These sides complement the flavors of the linguine nicely. Adjusting serving sizes is simple. If you want to serve more people, double the recipe. For fewer people, you can cut the ingredients in half. Just make sure to keep the same cooking times. This way, your meal stays tasty and fresh, no matter the size. Check the Full Recipe for exact measurements. In this blog post, we explored how to make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. I shared main and optional ingredients, plus tasty garnishes. The step-by-step instructions guide you through cooking linguine, sautéing chicken, and preparing the sauce. I included tips for perfect pasta and chicken, along with fun variations like a vegetarian option. Remember, proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. With this recipe, you can impress anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Discover the delight of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with this quick and delicious recipe! This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken and cherry tomatoes in a rich, buttery sauce that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Don't miss out on this tasty meal that your family will love! Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking today.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss until everything is well mixed and coated in the buttery sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

            Serve: Plate the pasta in generous portions, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4