Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Simple and Tasty Dish

Are you ready to spice up your dinner with a fun twist? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is both simple and tasty. This dish combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps you need to create this delicious meal that your family will love!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

– 8 oz linguine pasta

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 4 tablespoons cowboy butter

Additional Ingredients

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Cowboy Butter Recipe Components

– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, the main ingredients shine. The linguine pasta gives a nice base, while chicken adds protein. Cowboy butter provides rich flavor. It’s easy to make and packs a punch.

The additional ingredients bring depth. Garlic, spices, and heavy cream create a creamy sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach gives a nice, bright touch. You can also top it with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

The cowboy butter is simple yet flavorful. Melted unsalted butter forms the base. Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice add tang. Garlic powder and spices elevate the taste. This sauce is key for flavor in the dish. You can find the full recipe in the linked section.

Knowing these ingredients helps you prepare. You will enjoy each step as you cook. The blend of flavors makes this dish a winner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cowboy Butter

– In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

– Whisk until smooth and set aside. Let the flavors meld for a bit.

Cooking the Pasta

– Boil salted water in a large pot.

– Add linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

– Drain the pasta, but save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later.

Cooking the Chicken

– Heat 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

– Add chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

– Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

– Remove chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sautéing Aromatics and Making the Sauce

– In the same skillet, add the remaining cowboy butter.

– Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

– Pour in heavy cream and mix well.

– Bring to a gentle simmer, then add halved cherry tomatoes.

– Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.

Combining Ingredients

– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

– Add fresh spinach and stir until it wilts.

– If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Incorporating the Pasta and Serving

– Toss the drained linguine into the skillet.

– Mix gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

– Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

– Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

For the full recipe, check the main section!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine shine, focus on the spice levels. Adding cayenne pepper can give your dish a kick. Start small if you are unsure. You can always add more later. Using fresh ingredients also makes a big difference. Fresh garlic and ripe tomatoes boost the taste.

Cooking Techniques

Perfecting your cooking skills is key. Sautéing the chicken just right gives a nice brown color. Cook it until it is no longer pink. Simmering the sauce gently will help the flavors blend. Timing matters too. Boil the pasta until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds creaminess. For a complete meal, pair your dish with a fresh side salad or warm bread. This balances flavors and fills your plate. You can find the Full Recipe to guide your cooking journey.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch up the protein in cowboy butter chicken linguine. Shrimp works great instead of chicken. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and firm. Turkey also makes a tasty swap. Use ground turkey for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or mushrooms. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Sauté it until golden. Mushrooms add a nice umami taste. Both options keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

Dietary Modifications

Make this dish fit your diet with some easy swaps. If you need gluten-free pasta, look for options made from rice or lentils. They cook up nicely and taste great. For a dairy-free sauce, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a hint of sweetness. You can also use nut milk, but ensure it’s unsweetened. These changes keep your meal creamy while fitting your needs.

Flavor Variations

Boost the flavors with extra veggies or spices. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch and color. You can toss them in with the garlic. For a cheesy twist, try adding goat cheese or feta. They melt beautifully and give a tangy kick. Fresh herbs, like basil or chives, brighten up the dish. Experiment with these options to find your favorite mix. Each variation keeps the spirit of cowboy butter chicken linguine alive while offering something new.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cowboy butter chicken linguine fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure to let the dish cool down first. This helps avoid moisture buildup. Separate the pasta and sauce if you can. This keeps them from drying out. If mixed, add a little extra cream when reheating.

Reheating Tips

You can reheat your dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. The microwave is quick but can make pasta chewy. Stir every minute for even heating. The stovetop keeps the texture better. Use low heat and add a splash of cream. This helps keep the sauce smooth and rich.

Freezing Guidelines

Yes, you can freeze cowboy butter chicken linguine! Divide it into portions for easy meals later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Press out air to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop for best results. Add a bit of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful mix of butter and spices. It adds a rich taste to dishes. You can use it in many ways, like on meats or veggies. This recipe calls for cowboy butter made with:

– Unsalted butter

– Worcestershire sauce

– Fresh lemon juice

– Garlic powder

– Smoked paprika

– Dried thyme

– Chili powder

– Salt and black pepper

Mixing these ingredients creates a zesty, buttery sauce perfect for cowboy butter chicken linguine.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep:

– Cook the chicken and pasta, then refrigerate them separately.

– Prepare the cowboy butter and store it in an airtight container.

– When you are ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and pasta.

This way, you save time and still enjoy a tasty meal.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options:

– Whole milk with a bit of butter

– Coconut cream for a dairy-free choice

– Cashew cream for a nut-based option

These will help you create a creamy sauce without heavy cream.

How can I make the dish spicier or less spicy?

To adjust the spice level, you can:

– Add more cayenne pepper for heat.

– Include red pepper flakes for extra spice.

– Omit cayenne if you prefer less heat.

You can customize the dish to fit your taste.

What do I serve with cowboy butter chicken linguine?

Pair this dish with these tasty sides:

– Garlic bread for a crunchy bite

– A fresh salad for a light touch

– A glass of white wine for a nice drink

These options will make your meal even better.

In this blog post, I shared how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. We covered the main and additional ingredients, which create strong flavors. I guided you through the cooking steps, ensuring your dish turns out delicious. Lastly, I shared tips for flavor, variations, and storage.

With this recipe, you can impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy your meal, and don’t shy away from experimenting with ingredients!

- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Looking to elevate your dinner game? Discover the delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that's both simple and tasty! This mouthwatering dish features juicy chicken, a creamy cowboy butter sauce, and fresh veggies tossed with linguine pasta. Perfect for family meals, it’s packed with flavor and comes together quickly. Click through for the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this easy yet impressive meal!

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Ingredients

  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (recipe below)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Cowboy Butter Recipe:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk together until fully blended. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and set the linguine aside.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them liberally with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant but not burnt.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, mixing it with the garlic and butter for a rich sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Incorporate the Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce and mix in all the ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve: Divide the cowboy butter chicken linguine into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve immediately in shallow pasta bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and greens to pop against the creamy sauce. A drizzle of additional cowboy butter on top adds an appealing gloss and flavor boost.