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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - ½ cup unsalted butter - Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cups fresh spinach - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine shine. Start with 8 oz of linguine pasta. This will serve as the base for your dish. You’ll need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. For that rich flavor, use ½ cup of unsalted butter, divided into two parts. Next, let’s spice things up! Use smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for a delightful kick. Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These will enhance the dish and bring out all the flavors. Now, let’s add some fresh ingredients. Use 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add sweetness and color. For a burst of green, include 2 cups of fresh spinach. This not only makes it pretty but healthy too. You’ll also want the zest and juice of 1 lemon for a fresh, bright taste. Finally, have fresh parsley and some Parmesan cheese ready for garnish. These add a lovely finish to your dish. Now that you have your ingredients, you're ready to create a warm and tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about a tablespoon of salt for flavor. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of linguine pasta. Stir the pasta gently. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. Before you drain it, save ½ cup of the cooking water. This water adds flavor to the sauce. Then, drain the pasta and put it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After the chicken is done, add the remaining ¼ cup of butter to the skillet. Follow this by adding 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells great but does not brown. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their juices. This mix will create a tasty base for your cowboy butter chicken linguine. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To get perfect chicken, you need to check the internal temperature. It should hit 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Browning the chicken is key for flavor. Start by heating the skillet over medium heat and add butter. Make sure the chicken pieces do not touch each other. This allows them to brown nicely. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring only a few times. Using the reserved pasta water is a smart move. This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce. After adding the linguine, start with a little water and mix. Add more if the sauce looks dry. Adjusting flavors is important too. After mixing in the lemon juice, taste your dish. If it needs more salt or pepper, add a little at a time. This helps balance the flavors perfectly. When serving, use a big plate or individual bowls. This makes it look inviting. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan on top for a rich finish. For garnishing, sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a few cherry tomato halves on top. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish look fresh. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use tofu or mushrooms. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Press it first to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Mushrooms also add a nice texture. Choose portobello or cremini for a meaty feel. Sauté them until they become tender and flavorful. This way, you keep the dish hearty and satisfying. While linguine is great, you can use other pasta types. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work nicely. If you need a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These alternatives offer unique flavors and textures. They will still hold the sauce well, giving you that comforting bite. Want more heat? You can easily pump up the spice. Add more cayenne or try red pepper flakes. For a different flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. These herbs can add a fresh twist. Experiment with what you like best to create your perfect dish. After enjoying your cowboy butter chicken linguine, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the linguine in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through, about five to seven minutes. If you prefer the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir every minute to avoid hot spots. Want to save some for later? You can freeze cowboy butter chicken linguine. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the linguine and chicken as usual. After cooking, let the dish cool down a bit. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently in a pan. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir well until heated through. If you want a different protein, try shrimp or turkey. Tofu works great for a vegetarian option. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based choice. Just cook them until heated and tender. Each option gives a unique taste while keeping the meal filling. To add creaminess, use heavy cream or cream cheese. You can mix in a splash of cream while cooking. Be careful not to add too much. Start with a small amount and stir well. Adjust it until you reach your desired creaminess. This keeps the flavor rich without overpowering the dish. This blog post explored how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, detailing ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. From choosing the right pasta to perfect seasoning, each part plays a role in your dish's success. Remember, you can adapt this recipe easily, whether you prefer vegetarian options or want more spice. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cooking should be fun and creative, so use these insights to enhance your meals. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress your family and friends!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a comforting meal that's simple to create! This recipe blends juicy chicken, buttery goodness, and fresh veggies over perfectly cooked linguine, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Follow our step-by-step guide for a savory dish your taste buds will love. Click to explore the full recipe and start cooking this flavorful favorite today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

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

½ cup unsalted butter (divided)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach (packed)

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Carefully add the linguine, stirring occasionally. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the linguine aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ¼ cup of the butter. Allow it to melt completely. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

      Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the remaining ¼ cup of butter followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

        Incorporate the Spinach: Gently stir in the fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts down, which should only take about 1-2 minutes.

          Combine with Linguine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together to combine. If the mixture feels too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve a light, creamy consistency that coats the linguine.

            Finish with Flavor: Add the lemon juice and zest, along with the chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything once more to evenly distribute the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.

              Serve: Dish the cowboy butter chicken linguine onto individual plates or a large serving platter. Generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with any remaining parsley for a touch of color. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4