Go Back
- 8 oz linguine pasta - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 4 tablespoons cowboy butter The main players in this dish are quite simple. First, we need linguine pasta. It cooks up nice and holds the sauce well. Next, we use chicken breasts. Diced chicken cooks fast and adds protein. Finally, the cowboy butter brings rich flavor. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh or canned) - 1 red bell pepper, diced For bright flavors, we add cherry tomatoes. They burst with sweetness. Corn adds a nice crunch. A red bell pepper gives color and a hint of sweetness. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin Garlic is a must for depth. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Cumin adds earthiness to balance the dish. These spices make the meal more exciting. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick meal. You can make it in about 30 minutes. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on preparing this tasty dish. To make cowboy butter, start with softened butter. In a bowl, mix together: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste Stir until everything is well combined. This buttery mix adds great flavor to your dish. You can use it right away or store it in the fridge. Just place it in a sealed container. It will keep for about a week. Next, you’ll cook the linguine. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 oz of linguine pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save a little pasta water. This water helps to loosen the sauce later. Now it’s time for the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of cowboy butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with: - Salt - Pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After the chicken is done, add your veggies: 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of corn (fresh or canned), and 1 diced red bell pepper. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, too. Sauté everything for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Toss everything well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a nice sauce that coats the pasta. Once it’s all mixed, serve the dish hot. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To make cowboy butter even better, try adding different flavors. You can mix in fresh herbs like basil or dill. A dash of hot sauce can add some kick. Play with spices too, like adding a bit of cayenne for heat. You can also make cowboy butter ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, let it sit out to soften. This way, you save time on busy days. Always use salted water when cooking pasta. It helps the pasta taste better. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every gallon of water. This simple trick makes a big difference. If you're short on time, you can cook pasta in a microwave. Just add water and pasta to a large bowl. Cover it and microwave in two-minute intervals, stirring until it’s al dente. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with side salads. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Another great option is garlic bread for a tasty dip. For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in a large bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. This makes your dish look fresh and inviting. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can change the protein in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Try shrimp or firm tofu for a twist. Both options give a different flavor and texture. If you want to go meatless, chickpeas are a great choice. They add protein and soak up the sauce well. Adding seasonal vegetables makes the dish even better. Consider using zucchini, spinach, or asparagus in spring. In summer, fresh peppers and corn shine. In fall, add butternut squash or kale for warmth. You can mix and match to suit your taste and what you have on hand. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good brands available today. For a vegan version, swap the chicken for mushrooms or lentils. You can also make a vegan cowboy butter. Use plant-based butter and skip the chicken. This way, you still enjoy the flavors without animal products. For the full recipe, check out the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine section above. To keep Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in airtight containers. This keeps moisture in and air out. Use shallow containers for quick cooling. Label each container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You can use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth. Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring gently. Both methods work well! Can you freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? Yes, it freezes well! Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you are ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. Ensure it heats all the way through for safety. Cowboy butter is a tasty blend of softened butter with spices and herbs. It adds flavor and richness to dishes. You can use it on meats, vegetables, or pasta. The mix often includes garlic, lemon juice, and chili powder, which makes it very versatile. You’ll find it enhances many meals, bringing a kick to the ordinary. Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time. Make the cowboy butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken and veggies, then mix them with the pasta when you're ready to serve. This saves time and keeps your meal fresh. Just reheat everything on the stove, adding a little water if needed. To spice up this dish, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You could also mix in hot sauce for extra heat. If you love a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away! Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors well. You can also serve grilled vegetables for a colorful side. These options will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines rich flavors with simple steps. You learned about the key ingredients, from tender chicken to tasty vegetables. We covered how to make cowboy butter and tips for perfect pasta. You can also explore variations and storage tips to enjoy this dish later. This meal offers fun options for everyone. Whether you prefer swaps or dietary changes, you can make it your own. Enjoy creating this delicious dish!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Discover the mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cowboy butter for an explosion of flavor! In just 30 minutes, you can create this easy and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Ready to impress your family with a dinner that looks gourmet? Click through for the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

2 chicken breasts, diced

4 tablespoons cowboy butter (see recipe below)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn (fresh or canned)

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cowboy Butter Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with lemon juice, parsley, minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. You can either use it immediately or refrigerate it for later.

    Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

      Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cowboy butter. Once melted, add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

        Add Vegetables: To the skillet, add minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, corn, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

          Combine Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

            Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley.

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