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For this dish, you will need: - 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz linguine pasta These simple ingredients form the base of our delightful meal. The chicken adds protein, while the linguine provides a perfect texture. The star of this recipe, Cowboy Butter, requires: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste This butter brings a rich flavor and depth to the dish. The garlic and spices really shine through. To enhance the taste, gather these extra ingredients: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients add brightness and texture. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, while the cherry tomatoes and corn offer a sweet crunch. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make Cowboy Butter, start with a medium bowl. First, melt one stick of unsalted butter. Then, add one tablespoon of minced garlic and one tablespoon of chopped parsley. Next, mix in one teaspoon of smoked paprika and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season this with sea salt and black pepper. Whisk until everything blends well. Set this tasty butter aside for later. Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add eight ounces of linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta but save half a cup of the water. Set the linguine aside for now. Take a large skillet and heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add two diced chicken breasts to the pan. Season the chicken with sea salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. This should take about five to seven minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat. Add the Cowboy Butter you made earlier. Toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of corn kernels. Add one teaspoon of lemon zest and one tablespoon of lemon juice to the mix. Stir gently and let it cook for two to three minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to combine. Now, add the reserved linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the dish looks dry, add the reserved pasta water spoon by spoon until you reach a creamy consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Taste and adjust the seasoning. To serve, plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in bowls, and garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if you like. Enjoy! To cook chicken perfectly, start with even-sized pieces. Dice the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Season the chicken with sea salt and black pepper before cooking. Heat a splash of oil in your pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Always check that the inside is no longer pink. Creamy linguine comes from good technique. First, cook your linguine in well-salted boiling water. Follow the package directions for timing. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps make the sauce creamy. Once you mix the cooked linguine with the chicken and Cowboy Butter, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will ensure your dish has the perfect creamy texture. Adjusting spiciness is easy with this recipe. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to tone down the spice. Incorporate more cherry tomatoes or corn to balance the heat with sweetness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and seasonal vegetables elevate the flavors in this dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always salt the pasta water generously; this is your chance to season the pasta itself. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste; you can omit it entirely for a milder dish or add more for extra heat. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish, making it more appetizing. {{image_4}} You can switch Cowboy Butter for other flavored oils. Try garlic oil or chili oil. Both add great taste and heat. You can even make a herb oil with fresh herbs. This keeps the dish fresh and adds a new twist. If you don’t have linguine, use another type of pasta. Spaghetti or fettuccine works well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each type brings its own flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy this meal no matter your diet. Boost the nutrition of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Add spinach or kale for more greens. You can also toss in bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies add color and vitamins. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. This makes the meal filling and healthy. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, heat them gently. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This prevents uneven heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth for moisture. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat. Just stir it often to keep it creamy. If you want to freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, portion it into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for about two months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and ready to delight your taste buds. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well. Each pasta changes the texture slightly, but the dish will still taste great. Choose what you love or have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasty. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. If you want to eat it later, freeze it for up to 3 months. This dish pairs nicely with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread brings a warm, buttery taste that complements the linguine. You can also serve it with some roasted veggies for extra flavor. Yes! You can make a vegetarian version using veggies instead of chicken. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty bite. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Just keep the Cowboy Butter and all other ingredients the same for great taste. This blog post covered how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken and pasta, as well as other flavor boosters. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, along with tips for perfect chicken and creamy pasta. You learned how to personalize your dish with variations and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, this dish is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile and tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, corn, and a flavorful Cowboy Butter sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons Cowboy Butter
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Whisk together until fully combined, then set aside for later use.
  • Cook the Linguine: Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Carefully add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained linguine aside.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and add the prepared Cowboy Butter, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld over the next 2-3 minutes.
  • Mix it All Together: Add the reserved cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, spoonful by spoonful, until achieving the desired creamy consistency.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Plate Up: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor if desired.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
Keyword butter sauce, chicken, pasta