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To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you need these key ingredients: - 500g linguine pasta - 400g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see below for recipe) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The combination of these ingredients creates a dish bursting with flavor. The chicken adds protein, while the linguine provides a hearty base. The spices and garlic infuse the dish with warmth and depth. Cowboy Butter enhances your dish with rich, bold flavor. You will need: - 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, softened - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mixing these ingredients creates a buttery spread that complements the pasta and chicken perfectly. To finish your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, consider these garnishes: - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped These garnishes add color and extra flavor. They make your dish look beautiful and appetizing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to prepare this fantastic meal. To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chives. Then, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it until everything is well blended. This cowboy butter adds a burst of flavor. Once mixed, put it in a small container and refrigerate. This helps the flavors come together nicely. Next, take a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. When done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Now, we’ll cook the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season it with smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes become soft. It’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained linguine and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together. If the dish seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir in the remaining cowboy butter. This will coat the pasta with rich flavor. Finally, serve the dish in deep bowls. You can add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for a pretty finish. Enjoy your cowboy butter chicken linguine! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook linguine just right, start with a big pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps the pasta taste great. Bring the water to a boil. Add the linguine, stirring it well. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Test it a minute before the time is up. You want it al dente, which means firm to bite. Once done, save a half cup of pasta water. Then drain the linguine and set it aside. If you have leftovers, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir well until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but add a bit of water to avoid dryness. You can swap out some ingredients if needed. For a lighter dish, use chicken breast instead of thighs. If you don’t have cowboy butter, try regular butter with garlic and herbs. For a veggie boost, add bell peppers or zucchini. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream. This makes the dish rich and smooth. Remember, feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables. Good choices include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These veggies add flavor and texture. Cook them just like the chicken in the recipe. Use the same spices and cowboy butter for a rich taste. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. This version remains filling and satisfying. If you enjoy heat, you can spice up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Start by increasing the cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. If you want more flavor, try adding hot sauce. Just remember to start slow; you can always add more. Taste as you go to find the perfect heat level for you. Not a fan of chicken? You have many options for alternative proteins. Shrimp works well and cooks quickly. Just sauté shrimp until pink and tender instead of chicken. Tofu is another great choice for a plant-based meal. Firm tofu can soak up flavors well. You can also use diced turkey or even beef for a twist. Each protein adds a unique taste to this dish. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it up. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make the pasta soggy. Keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat, add a splash of water or broth to revive the pasta. This helps keep it moist and tasty. You can also freeze this dish if you have extra. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It’s best to freeze it without any cheese. This keeps the flavor and texture. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Most ingredients in this recipe have a good shelf life. Here’s a quick guide: - Linguine Pasta: Lasts for about 2 years if kept dry. - Boneless Chicken Thighs: Good in the fridge for 1-2 days. Freeze for up to 9 months. - Cowboy Butter: Can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. It can also be frozen for 3 months. - Spinach: Fresh spinach lasts about 5-7 days in the fridge. Use frozen spinach within 6 months. - Cherry Tomatoes: Best used within 1 week. They spoil quickly. - Parmesan Cheese: Lasts about a week in the fridge once opened. You can freeze it for up to 6 months. By following these storage tips, you keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine flavorful and ready to enjoy later. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! You can serve a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad pairs well. Try a Caesar or garden salad for crunch. Garlic bread adds a nice touch and soaks up sauce. You could also add a glass of white wine for a special meal. Yes, you can make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time. Cook and cool the pasta and chicken, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat everything together in a pan. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This dish tastes great even the next day! To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine. Many brands offer good options that taste great. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check the labels for any hidden gluten. One serving contains about 500 calories. You get protein from chicken and carbs from pasta. It has healthy fats from cowboy butter. The dish also offers vitamins from spinach and tomatoes. For exact numbers, check the full recipe for more detailed info. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fun, easy dish. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can tweak the recipe with fun variations, like a vegetarian version or spicy adjustments. Remember, storing leftovers is simple, and freezing is a great option. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Cooking should be enjoyable, so have fun in the kitchen!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Savor the flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—a quick and delicious dish perfect for any night of the week! With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a flavorful homemade cowboy butter sauce, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds. Discover how easy it is to prepare this comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the South to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

500g linguine pasta

400g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see below for recipe)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cowboy Butter:

1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Make Cowboy Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with lemon juice, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Transfer to a small container and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

      Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Add the cubed chicken, season with smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

        Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, followed by cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and start to burst.

          Combine: Add the cooked linguine and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Stir in the remaining cowboy butter until everything is well-coated.

            Serve: Transfer the dish to serving plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.

              - Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: Serve the linguine in deep, rustic bowls. Add a few extra cherry tomatoes on top for color and place a dollop of cowboy butter in the center for a delightful visual and flavor enhancement.