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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced For this dish, you want to pick good-quality ingredients. The linguine pasta is the base of your meal. I love using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They cook up juicy and tender. Unsalted butter gives the sauce a rich flavor, and fresh garlic brings in a nice aroma. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme These seasonings make the dish pop! Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky essence. Cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick, but you can adjust it to your taste. Dried oregano and thyme add herbal notes that brighten the dish. - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and add sweetness. Don’t forget salt and pepper—they help bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley is perfect for a bright, fresh finish on your plate. For the full recipe, check out the link. Enjoy cooking! To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. This step is key for tasty pasta. Once boiling, add the linguine. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. You want it firm, not mushy. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the linguine and set it aside in a warm bowl to keep it nice and cozy. Next, we focus on the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken pieces. Season them well with salt and pepper. This gives the chicken great flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, cut a piece in half. It should be white all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. Now it’s time for the magic sauce! In the same skillet, add the last 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Cook for about a minute. The garlic should smell amazing and turn light golden. This is where a lot of flavor comes from. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Then, add the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Make sure each strand gets that buttery sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be just right. For a lovely plate, twirl a serving of pasta using a fork and spoon. This makes it look fancy. Add extra cherry tomatoes on top for color. Drizzle a bit of olive oil for richness. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. This adds a nice touch and a burst of flavor. Your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is now ready to impress! For the full recipe, you can check the complete instructions. To make the best linguine, always start with salted water. Salt helps the pasta absorb flavor. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every quart of water. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions for al dente. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. To avoid sticky pasta, stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Keeping chicken juicy is key to great flavor. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. Sauté it in a hot skillet for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will give it a nice golden color. After cooking, let the chicken rest on a plate for a few minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay inside when you slice it. Fresh herbs can greatly improve your dish. They add a bright flavor that dried herbs often lack. Use fresh parsley when garnishing for a pop of color. If you use dried herbs instead, make sure to add them early in the cooking process. For a delicious cowboy butter, use unsalted butter, garlic, and spices. You can make it at home by mixing softened butter with your favorite herbs and spices. This adds a rich flavor to your dish, making it truly special. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. For a seafood twist, try shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink. If you want a plant-based option, use tofu. Just press it to remove water and then sauté until golden. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Try spinach for a pop of color. You can also toss in bell peppers for crunch and sweetness. These swaps make the dish more fun and adaptable. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free linguine. Many brands make pasta from rice or corn. They cook similarly, so you won't lose the dish's charm. For dairy-free adjustments, swap out butter with a plant-based alternative. Coconut oil or vegan butter work well. These changes keep the dish creamy without dairy. Pair Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a light salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing complements the rich pasta. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For meal prep, this dish stores well. Divide it into containers for easy lunches. Just reheat and enjoy! It’s a simple and satisfying option for busy days. After you enjoy your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps the dish fresh and safe to eat later. Leftovers will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is on the stovetop. Use a medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. If you use a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent dry spots. Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! It’s a great way to save extra meals. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, scoop it into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label with the date. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for the best flavor. To make Cowboy Butter, you need a few simple ingredients. You will need unsalted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Start by melting the butter in a pan. Then, add the garlic and spices. Cook for about a minute until the garlic smells good. This quick method gives you a rich, flavorful sauce for your pasta. Yes, you can! While I recommend linguine, other types work well too. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne can be great choices. Just make sure to cook them until they are al dente. This way, they hold their shape and texture in the dish. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you like it mild, cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can even leave it out. For more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne or more smoked paprika. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right balance for you. Great side dishes can make your meal shine. A fresh garden salad pairs nicely. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty addition. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, go well too. These sides add color and flavor to your plate. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately from the pasta. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat and combine. This way, dinner is quick and easy! For the full recipe, check back for all the details. This blog post detailed how to create a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best flavor. I shared variations for different diets and discussed storage options for leftovers. My final thought is simple: cooking can be fun and tasty. Try this recipe, and enjoy the results. You’ll impress everyone at the table with your skills.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Indulge in the flavor-packed Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy butter sauce, and al dente linguine in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features delicious garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh tomatoes for a mouthwatering experience. Click through to explore this easy recipe and impress your family with vibrant flavors and stunning presentation!
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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, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to suit your spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm bowl.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.

      Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and is light golden.

        Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

          Combine Everything: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce to coat. Then, add the drained linguine, tossing everything together until it is thoroughly mixed and each strand is coated with the buttery sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.

            Serve: Portion the pasta onto serving plates with generous amounts of the chicken-butter sauce on top. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and additional flavor.

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

                - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, twirl a serving of pasta onto the plate using a fork and spoon, ensuring it stands tall. Add additional cherry tomatoes on top and a light drizzle of olive oil for added richness. A few whole parsley leaves can also be used for decoration.