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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken gives a better taste. Choose bright, firm cherry tomatoes for sweetness. If you can, use fresh corn for a crunchier texture. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. These tips help the dish shine. Cowboy butter is the star of this dish. Here’s what you need: - ½ cup softened butter: This makes the base creamy. - 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic adds a punch of flavor. - 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley: This gives a fresh taste. - 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the mix. - Pinch of salt: It enhances all the flavors. - Sprinkle of red pepper flakes: This adds a little heat. Mix these well and refrigerate until you need it. Cowboy butter brings everything together in this meal. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps add flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta. Remember to save ½ cup of pasta water for later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Melt it and then add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of corn kernels. Cook these for 2-3 minutes, until the veggies soften and smell great. Lower the heat to a simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Gradually mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. Add the drained linguine and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. To serve, portion the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine onto plates. For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. You can also add a bit more grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy this hearty dish with family and friends! To get juicy chicken, start with bite-sized pieces. Use medium heat to cook them. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Season it well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. These flavors deepen as the chicken browns. Aim for a golden color, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the heat once it’s cooked through. This step ensures your chicken stays moist and tasty in the final dish. Making a creamy sauce is all about balance. Start with melted cowboy butter. Then, add minced garlic and cook it briefly to release its aroma. Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes and corn. This adds sweetness and texture. Pour in heavy cream slowly, stirring to prevent lumps. Finally, mix in grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little. This helps you reach the perfect creamy consistency. Seasoning makes a huge difference in flavor. Use smoked paprika and chili powder for warmth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh parsley adds brightness when you garnish the dish. You can also use a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors. A hint of acidity can make the dish pop. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go. This helps you create a well-balanced Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that everyone will love. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken with other proteins. Shrimp works well and cooks fast. You can use diced turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and soak up flavors nicely. Feel free to mix in various veggies. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. Spinach or kale gives a nice green boost. Zucchini or mushrooms can add an earthy note. Experimenting with seasonal veggies keeps the dish fresh. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good alternatives. To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish delicious for everyone! Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, seal it tightly. This way, it stays fresh for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge to maintain quality. To reheat, use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, place a serving in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. If using the stove, add the pasta to a pan over low heat. Stir gently and add a bit of cream or water to avoid drying out. You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for up to three months. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Just remember to stir often as it heats. You can make a quick swap with regular butter. Mix it with garlic, parsley, and a dash of lemon juice. This gives a nice flavor. You can also use herb-infused butter if you want an extra kick. Just adjust the amount to your taste. Yes, this dish works great for meal prep. Cook it in advance and store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it before serving. This makes it easy for busy days. Absolutely! While linguine is a great choice, you can use any pasta you like. Try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. Each pasta gives a different texture. To add spice, increase the chili powder in the recipe. You can also add red pepper flakes for more heat. If you enjoy fresh flavors, toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to thaw it before reheating. This blog post covered how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We explored the key ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. I provided helpful tips for cooking chicken and making a creamy sauce. You learned about variations you can try, like using different proteins or veggies. I also included storage tips and answered common questions. In summary, this dish is easy and full of flavor. Enjoy making it your own!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Indulge in our delightful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a creamy and flavorful dish that brings comfort to your table. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this satisfying pasta dish is sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see note below for recipe)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and exhibits a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn, cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

        Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to a simmer, then pour in the heavy cream. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.

          Combine Everything: Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it within the sauce to coat. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve & Garnish: Portion the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into serving plates, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                - Cowboy Butter Recipe: In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Blend thoroughly and store in the refrigerator until needed.

                  - Presentation Tips: To enhance the dish visually, serve with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top and include a lemon wedge on the side for an added zesty finish!