Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful cowboy butter, and perfectly cooked linguine, embodying the essence of cowboy-inspired flavors mixed with Italian comfort.
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Homemade or store-bought
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For freshness
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped For garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds depth of flavor
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
For the Main Dish
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with thighs if preferred
- 8 oz linguine pasta Can use whole wheat or gluten-free options
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced Add color and nutrition
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced For sweetness
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved For freshness and color
- to taste salt and pepper To be added when cooking chicken
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese Enhances richness and umami
- for garnish fresh parsley and chives, chopped For finishing
Instructions
Preparation
- If you're making your own Cowboy Butter, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chives, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Cooking the Pasta
- 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 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of cowboy butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Combining the Dish
- Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Serving
- Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Avoid overcooking chicken to maintain juiciness. Customize the butter with your favorite spices. Always undercook pasta slightly as it will finish cooking with the residual heat.