Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – One Pan Comfort Food Dinner

This Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner that brings rich, buttery flavors to your table in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy and satisfying, this recipe combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a garlicky butter sauce that’s infused with just the right amount of smoke.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a family meal that everyone will love, this garlic butter chicken pasta delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup. The secret lies in creating layers of flavor by incorporating smoked paprika and toasted aromatics that transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in onion powder and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Perfect Pasta Texture: For best results, use pasta that cooks in about the same time as your chicken broth absorption. Penne, bowtie, or rotini work exceptionally well in one-pan recipes.

Smoky Flavor Boost: The smoked paprika is key to achieving that signature smoky flavor. For extra smoke, you can add a pinch of chipotle powder or use smoked garlic salt.

Creamy Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Looking for more creamy pasta inspiration? Try our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe or this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Noodles for another easy weeknight option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

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

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving for optimal texture.

For more comforting pasta dishes, check out our Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe or explore other creamy one-pan dinner options that make weeknight cooking a breeze.

This smoky garlic butter chicken pasta is perfect for those nights when you want restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. The combination of garlic butter sauce with smoky undertones creates a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – One Pan Comfort Food Dinner

This Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner that brings rich, buttery flavors to your table in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a garlicky butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and toasted aromatics.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in onion powder and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For perfect pasta texture, use pasta that cooks in about the same time as your chicken broth absorption. The smoked paprika is key to achieving that signature smoky flavor. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken; if too thick, add splash of broth.