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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz linguine pasta - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced The main ingredients make this dish rich and filling. The chicken thighs provide a tender bite. Linguine pasta soaks up the sauce well, making each bite tasty. Butter adds luxury, and garlic gives great flavor. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Spices bring life to the dish. Smoked paprika adds warmth, while chili powder gives it a nice kick. Dried oregano gives a hint of earthiness, and salt and pepper balance the flavors. - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Fresh components brighten the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh parsley offers a pop of green, and lemon juice gives a zesty finish. These ingredients make the meal feel light and fresh. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. The pasta will take about 9-11 minutes to become al dente. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. When it's ready, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful not to let it brown. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook this mixture for another minute. This step helps the spices bloom and release their flavors. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of cut chicken thighs to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken pieces for about 6-8 minutes. You want them to be browned and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Use a spatula to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. Now, fold in the cooked linguine and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together well. If the dish feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little bit at a time. This helps achieve your desired texture. Finally, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine your own, adjust the spices. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a milder flavor, use less. You can also change the smoked paprika amount to suit your taste. Garlic is key in this dish. If you love garlic, add an extra clove. If you prefer a lighter taste, reduce the amount. This simple change can shift the dish from mild to bold. I prefer using a skillet for this recipe. It helps brown the chicken and adds flavor. You can also choose to bake the chicken, but it won't give the same depth. When cooking the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot. This helps to brown the chicken well. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in warm bowls. This keeps the dish hot and inviting. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh look. A lemon wedge on the side adds color and flavor. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes at the end. This keeps the spice fresh and bright. You can also sprinkle them on each serving, so everyone can choose their spice level. {{image_2}} You can change the main protein in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. If you want to use shrimp, choose large shrimp for a great taste. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. For beef, use thin strips of flank steak. Sear the beef quickly in the pan to keep it tender. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, mushrooms are a fantastic option. Try using portobello or cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until they are soft. They will soak up the flavors and add a nice texture. The sauce is key to this dish. You can switch the broth for a richer flavor. Beef or vegetable broth works well too. If you want a lighter option, consider using homemade stock. For those who need a dairy-free meal, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This option keeps the dish creamy while being plant-based. You can also try olive oil for a different flavor profile. If you want to avoid gluten, there are great pasta options. Look for gluten-free linguine made from rice or corn. These options cook well and taste great. You can also switch up the noodle type for a fun twist. Try using fettuccine or even zoodles (zucchini noodles). Both will give a fresh look to your dish and change the texture a bit. Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup and soggy pasta. To reheat, use the microwave or stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. This keeps the chicken and pasta moist. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a little olive oil. This revives the flavors and texture. You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave. Add fresh parsley or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner. If you want a different meat, try shrimp or beef. For a plant-based option, use mushrooms or tofu. Both give a nice texture and flavor. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti or fettuccine work well. For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. To add heat, use more chili powder or smoked paprika. You can also add red pepper flakes. If you want more flavor, try fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. Adjust according to your taste. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately from the pasta. When you’re ready to eat, heat them up and mix. This saves time on busy days. This blog post covers a delicious meal made with chicken, linguine, and a rich butter sauce. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the sauce, and bring it all together. I shared tips to enhance flavors and ideas for different proteins and sauces. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don't hesitate to adjust spices or try new ingredients. With this guide, you can create a tasty dish that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Savor the taste of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a deliciously creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich, buttery flavors. This easy recipe features garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a perfect dinner in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner routine with this mouthwatering meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz (225g) linguine pasta

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, be careful not to brown.

        Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.

          Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

            Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

              Fold in the cherry tomatoes and cooked linguine, tossing well to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

                Finish by tossing in the chopped parsley, and add red pepper flakes if using for an extra kick.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in warm bowls and garnish with additional parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh touch.

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