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Ultimate Comfort Chicken Pasta with Smoky Garlic Butter Sauce

This comforting pasta dish features tender chicken in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with subtle smoky notes, creating a restaurant-quality meal perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's an approachable yet indulgent dish that comes together easily for home cooks of all skill levels.
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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
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 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 until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Return the 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.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor; don't skip reserving pasta water as the starch helps create a silky sauce; add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach after cooking garlic for extra nutrition; for lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream