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Comfort Chicken Pasta Recipe with Smoky Garlic Butter Flavors

This smoky garlic butter chicken pasta features tender chicken pieces and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and smoked paprika. Perfect for busy families seeking restaurant-quality flavor in a simple one-pan weeknight dinner.
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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 regular paprika
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 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 sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add remaining smoked paprika and regular paprika, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats every strand.
  6. Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. The reserved pasta water is key for emulsifying the butter and cream into a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.