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Comfort Chicken Pasta Recipe with Smoky Garlic Butter Flavors

This comforting chicken pasta recipe brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich smoky garlic butter sauce that will become your new family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and delicious on the table quickly.
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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
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 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. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook 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. Cook chicken 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 for 1 minute until fragrant. Add remaining smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  5. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, use a combination of smoked paprika and a pinch of chipotle powder. Don't skip reserving pasta water – the starchy water helps create a silky sauce. Cook the garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.