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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra Parmesan cheese - Lemon wedges The main ingredients create a rich, bold flavor. The linguine pasta gives the dish a nice base. Chicken breasts add protein and heartiness. Cowboy butter, made from seasoned butter, brings a unique twist. Garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder enhance the flavors, making every bite exciting. For a pop of color and taste, I use cherry tomatoes and corn. The sweetness of the corn balances the spices. Heavy cream adds a creamy texture, while Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. I love garnishing with fresh parsley for color. Extra Parmesan cheese adds richness. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and adds freshness. These ingredients come together beautifully in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. - Cook linguine in salted water. - Prepare cowboy butter (optional recipe). Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook it until it is al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save half a cup of that pasta water for later. Next, let's make the cowboy butter. This is optional but adds great flavor. In a bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir it well and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. - Sauté chicken and season. - Create the sauce with garlic, tomatoes, and corn. - Combine sauce with cream and cheese. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. Now, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Mix chicken and pasta with the sauce. - Adjust seasoning before serving. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the sauce to coat it well. Next, add the drained linguine and mix everything together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving. - Cook the linguine in salted water. This adds flavor. - Test for doneness at 8-10 minutes. It should be firm but tender. - For chicken, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This brings out the best flavor. - Cook chicken until golden brown for a nice crust. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes. - Add bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. They cook quickly and add color. - For a twist, try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. Both work well in this dish. - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a different texture. Each type brings its own flavor. - Plate the linguine in a shallow bowl for a nice look. - Top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for richness. - Pair with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. - Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water. Both complement the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, swap the chicken for plant-based options. I recommend using cubed tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. You can season the tofu with smoked paprika and chili powder just like the chicken. For the best taste, cook it until golden brown. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the dish. Use more garlic and add some extra herbs like thyme or basil. This addition makes the meal even more flavorful. For a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, like rice or corn pasta. These alternatives work well with the sauce and flavors. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free too. For example, check the cowboy butter and heavy cream labels. Most of these items should be gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check. This way, everyone can enjoy the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. If you like a bit of heat, this twist is for you. Add extra spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the dish a nice kick. You can also explore different types of cream. Try coconut cream for a dairy-free option that adds a unique flavor. Or, use a spicy sauce like sriracha for an extra punch. Mixing these elements keeps your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine exciting and new! To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. If you notice any strange smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream in a pan. This keeps the pasta moist and creamy. Heat over medium-low and stir frequently. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of cream and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, start by letting it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat on the stove after thawing. Yes, you can make cowboy butter ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge. To prepare it, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Store the mixture in an airtight container. When ready to use, simply scoop out what you need. This saves time when cooking the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Plus, the flavors deepen as it sits. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options: - Half-and-half: It has a similar texture but less fat. - Coconut milk: This adds a unique flavor and is dairy-free. - Greek yogurt: This gives creaminess with added protein. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a rich alternative. These options cater to different dietary needs while keeping the dish creamy and delicious. The total time to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about 30 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Prep time: 15 minutes for cooking pasta and cutting chicken. - Cooking time: 15 minutes to sauté chicken, create sauce, and combine ingredients. This quick cooking time makes it easy to fit into a busy weeknight schedule. Enjoy a flavorful meal in no time! In this post, you learned how to prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We covered ingredients like linguine, chicken, and the rich cowboy butter. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting flavor. You can also explore variations for vegetarian or gluten-free diets. This dish is versatile and easy to store. Enjoy making this delicious meal and feel free to customize it to your taste. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Savor the incredible flavor of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a quick and delectable dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cowboy butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and make your next dinner a hit!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see note below for recipe)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

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

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and corn, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.

        Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and gently mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, mixing everything until the pasta is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

            Serve & Garnish: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among serving plates, garnishing each with fresh parsley.

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

                - Cowboy Butter Recipe: Combine ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix well and store in the fridge until ready to use.

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a wedge of lemon on the side for a zesty touch!