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Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

This comforting pasta dish features tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and smoky paprika flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that brings everyone to the table.
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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 great)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp 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 cubes with salt, pepper, and 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 and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water for silky sauce. Adjust smokiness with extra paprika or chipotle powder. For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or cream cheese.