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Ultimate Comfort Chicken Pasta with Smoky Garlic Butter Sauce

This restaurant-quality chicken pasta features tender chicken and al dente pasta in a rich, smoky garlic butter sauce that delivers indulgent comfort food flavors. The recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove 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, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Use fresh garlic rather than powdered. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Toast spices in butter to unlock their aroma. Let sauce reduce before adding cream for concentrated flavor.