Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

$To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 300g linguine - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter (1/2 cup unsalted butter mixed with garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Gathering these ingredients is key for a great meal. The linguine gives a nice texture, and the chicken adds protein. Cowboy butter is the star here, with its rich flavor from butter, garlic, and smoked paprika. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while spinach adds good color and nutrients. Don't forget to have salt and pepper on hand. They help bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan can make your plate look beautiful and tasty. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. Once boiling, add 300g of linguine. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save 1 cup of that pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, season 2 diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes. They should start to soften and release their juices. Next, add 1 cup of baby spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about 1 minute. You want the spinach to wilt nicely. After that, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well so the flavors blend. Now, it’s time to add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the chicken and veggies. If the dish looks too dry, use that reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the linguine hot on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a tasty and filling meal! To cook perfect linguine, start with a big pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This step is key to flavor. Bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir the linguine often while it cooks. Follow the package time for al dente. This means it should be a bit firm to the bite. When done, drain the pasta but save some water for later. For the chicken, cut the breasts into small cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the hot oil. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked. This takes about 6-8 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Cowboy butter is what makes this dish special. Mix unsalted butter with garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika. This adds a rich flavor. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in other herbs like basil or oregano. For a fresh twist, try adding lemon zest or juice. These small changes can make a big difference. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds extra creaminess. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. This will make your meal feel complete and satisfying. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To achieve al dente pasta, remember to taste it a minute or two before the package's cooking time is up. This ensures you're serving perfectly cooked linguine. Enhanced Flavor: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes to deepen the flavor of the chicken and butter. Fresh Spinach Substitute: If baby spinach isn't available, feel free to substitute with kale or arugula. Both will add a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Leftover Cowboy Butter: If you have leftover cowboy butter, store it in the refrigerator to use on grilled meats or vegetables for an added flavor boost in future meals. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Swap the chicken for diced mushrooms or zucchini. Both add a nice texture. You can also use tofu to boost protein. Just sauté them in the cowboy butter. This keeps the dish rich and full of flavor. While linguine works great, you can use other types of pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all fit well. Each choice will change the feel of the dish. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea or rice pasta. These options add a unique twist while still tasting good. If you want more protein, consider shrimp or scallops. They cook quickly and pair well with the butter sauce. You can also add cooked sausage for a heartier meal. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. To change the spice level, simply adjust the red pepper flakes. You can add more for heat or leave them out for a milder taste. Consider using fresh jalapeños for a different flavor. They add a nice crunch and a fresh kick to your dish. Store your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for one to two minutes. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil. Heat the pasta over medium heat, stirring often until warm. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Place the linguine in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy easy meals without compromising flavor! Cowboy butter is a rich mix of flavors. It combines unsalted butter, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika. This blend gives dishes a savory kick. It adds depth to any meal. You can use it for many recipes, not just pasta. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Options like penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well. Just cook them the same way as linguine. Each pasta shape gives a different texture, which can change the dish. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Great side dishes include garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies. Roasted asparagus or zucchini adds color and flavor. You can also serve it with a light soup for a full meal. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasty. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving. In this post, we explored a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to enhance flavors. We also discussed variations to suit different tastes and storage methods for leftovers. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can create a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Try it out and make it your own!$

A delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all tossed in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

300 g linguine
2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
4 tablespoons cowboy butter
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped
to taste grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the cowboy butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the dish appears dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the linguine hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.

Keyword butter, chicken, linguine, pasta