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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Give your chicken breasts a good pat down with paper towels to dry them off—this helps with browning. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
   In a spacious skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, letting them cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice golden brown finish and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

3. Step 3: Boil the Pasta
   As your chicken sizzles away, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Drop in the linguine and cook it to an al dente texture, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta but hold onto a cup of that starchy water—it’s a secret weapon for the sauce.

4. Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
   In the same trusty skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and thyme, giving it all a gentle stir for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen is filled with a wonderful aroma.

5. Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, mixing everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, giving those flavors some time to mingle and develop.

6. Step 6: Taste and Adjust
   Give the sauce a little taste test. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your palate. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavor.

7. Step 7: Slice the Chicken
   While the sauce is doing its thing, slice the cooked chicken breasts into lovely, thin strips. This makes them easier to mix into the pasta later on.

8. Step 8: Combine Linguine and Sauce
   Add your drained linguine to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the luscious cowboy butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, adjusting the sauce to your preferred consistency.

9. Step 9: Add the Chicken
   Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in sauce and everything is evenly distributed.

10. Step 10: Serve and Garnish
    Divide your cowboy butter chicken linguine onto plates, sprinkling each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A little extra parsley and thyme on top adds a fresh pop of color.

11. Step 11: Enjoy
    Serve immediately, savoring the first bite of this rich, buttery delight. Don't forget to relish the satisfied smiles around the table!

Notes

A common hiccup in this recipe is overcooking the chicken. It's tempting to give it extra time, but it can quickly go from juicy to dry. Remember, an internal temp of 165°F is your golden rule. A nifty tip: let the chicken rest a bit after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in.

Another stumble might be in the sauce. Using too much heat can make butter burn, giving your sauce an unwanted bitterness. Keep the heat gentle, especially when sautéing the garlic and herbs. Watchful eyes will prevent any scorching.

Lastly, don't drown your pasta with all the pasta water at once. Gradually add it until the sauce clings perfectly to the linguine. This way, you'll have a silky, not soggy, masterpiece. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe, Cowboy Chicken Linguine, Butter Chicken Spaghetti, Rustic Chicken Linguine, Cowboy Chicken Pasta Dish, Butter Infused Chicken Noodles, Western Style Chicken Linguine.