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Comfort Chicken Pasta with Smoky Garlic Butter Flavors

This comforting chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich smoky garlic butter sauce for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying. The dish comes together with minimal effort and features smoky notes from paprika that blend beautifully with the garlic butter base.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  7. Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for better sauce consistency. The reserved pasta water is key to creating the perfect sauce texture. For meal prep, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.