Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Comfort Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of smoky flavors, rich garlic butter, and tender chicken that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary comfort food experience. This one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the smoky paprika adds depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp regular paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add remaining smoked paprika and regular paprika to the butter, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Step 7: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. The reserved pasta water is key – the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta. If you love extra garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove or two. This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like sesame green beans or a crisp salad.

For another delicious chicken pasta variation, try our cowboy butter chicken pasta which features a similar rich butter sauce with herbaceous notes. If you’re looking for more one-pan dinner ideas, our garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes is another family favorite that comes together quickly.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! This sauce works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni would all be excellent choices.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for best results, cook and serve immediately. The pasta may absorb too much sauce if left to sit.

For more creamy pasta inspiration, check out our creamy salmon pasta recipe that’s equally quick and satisfying for seafood lovers.

Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Comfort Dinner

This one-pan chicken pasta features smoky paprika, rich garlic butter, and tender chicken in a creamy sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, the dish offers extraordinary comfort food with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp regular paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add remaining smoked paprika and regular paprika to the butter, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. The reserved pasta water is key as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Pairs well with sesame green beans or a crisp salad.