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Cowboy Butter is a culinary creation that has taken the food world by storm. Originating from the idea of a rich, herby compound butter, Cowboy Butter is typically made with a blend of butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. This concoction embodies the essence of cowboy cooking—simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The charm of Cowboy Butter lies in its versatility; it can elevate grilled meats, vegetables, or even a simple piece of bread.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Savor the flavors of this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! This quick and delightful recipe combines tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and al dente linguine, all brought together with garlic, smoked paprika, and a kick of cayenne. With cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley for that burst of color, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, serve it topped with Parmesan for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb chicken breast, diced

4 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

            Add the Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine all ingredients evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so everything can meld together.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve the linguine hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese as desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4