Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

$- 400g linguine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on desired spice level) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) You can swap the linguine pasta for fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer. If you want a lighter dish, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. You can skip the Worcestershire sauce and use soy sauce or coconut aminos if you want. Cayenne pepper adds heat. If you like it mild, use less or leave it out. For a kick, add more! Smoked paprika gives a nice flavor. You can also try regular paprika if you can't find smoked. Taste the sauce as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your liking. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the linguine, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Test the pasta for doneness. It should be al dente, meaning it’s firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta, but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps to create a smooth sauce later. For the chicken, cut boneless, skinless breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color, which means it’s done. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Keep it warm while you make the sauce. In the same skillet, do not wipe it clean. Pour in the rest of the melted butter. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Then, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add chicken broth. Stir everything well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps meld the flavors together nicely. After that, return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If it seems too dry, add some reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Finally, gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Cook for another minute, letting the tomatoes warm up. To get the best flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich taste. Also, melt the butter slowly to avoid burning. This helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper. Remember, add lemon juice just before serving. This brightens all the flavors nicely. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on the time. Cook it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This starchy water is key for a silky sauce. Lastly, don’t skip the cherry tomatoes. They add freshness and balance to the dish. For a great look, use deep bowls. This gives a rustic feel. Drizzle a bit of melted butter on top for shine. Then, sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. You can also serve with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the linguine is cooked al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which will help it hold up against the rich Cowboy Butter Sauce. Use Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! Adding it to the sauce can help achieve the perfect consistency and improve flavor by adding starch. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Consider adding other fresh herbs like basil or chives for an additional layer of flavor. Adjust Spice Levels: The cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your taste. Start with a small amount and increase as needed to find your ideal spice level! {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. For added protein, try chickpeas or lentils. They will soak up the sauce well. Besides chicken, many proteins work great in this dish. Shrimp adds a nice flavor and cooks quickly. You can also use diced pork or beef. For a lighter option, try fish like salmon or tilapia. Adjust cooking times for each protein for best results. Get creative with extra flavors! Add spinach or kale for a pop of color. Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. For a kick, toss in jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in olives or capers for a briny twist. Each add-in changes the dish and keeps it fresh! After enjoying your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish has cooled down before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to keep the pasta and sauce together for even flavor. When ready to eat, reheat the pasta on the stove for the best taste. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve many sides with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Here are a few great options: - Garlic Bread: It’s simple to make and pairs well with the pasta. - Caesar Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans bring color and nutrients. - Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes add heartiness to your meal. Each of these sides elevates the meal and complements the rich flavors of the linguine. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the linguine and chicken as directed but stop before adding the tomatoes. - Store the pasta and chicken in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. - When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet. Add the sauce and tomatoes, then warm through. This way, you save time and enjoy a quick, delicious meal later. To adjust the recipe for more people, follow these tips: - Double the Ingredients: Use 800g of pasta and 4 chicken breasts. - Increase Sauce Components: Add more butter, garlic, and spices to maintain flavor. - Cook in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in two rounds. These steps ensure everyone gets a tasty serving of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This blog post covered how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We explored key ingredients, tips for cooking, and how to achieve great flavor. You learned how to store your dish for later and even some variations to try. Cooking can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy making this dish again and again!$

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe! This creamy chicken linguine is quick to make and bursting with flavor thanks to a spicy butter chicken sauce. Made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and zesty cherry tomatoes, it's an easy weeknight dinner recipe that's sure to impress. Save this tasty dish for your next meal! #CowboyButterChicken #LinguinePastaRecipe #CreamyChickenLinguine #EasyDinnerRecipe

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Ingredients

400g linguine pasta

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

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on desired spice level)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.

Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (don't wipe it clean), pour in the remaining melted butter. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes, which will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss the pasta and chicken together in the sauce until the linguine is thoroughly coated. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Add Tomatoes: Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Continue cooking for an additional minute, just until the tomatoes are warmed through, releasing their juicy goodness into the dish.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to serving plates while it’s still hot. For an extra touch, garnish with additional parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: For a rustic look, serve in deep bowls and drizzle with a teaspoon of extra melted butter on top before adding cheese and parsley. This also enhances the ‘cowboy’ essence of the dish!