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Comfort Chicken Pasta Recipe with Smoky Garlic Butter Flavors

This comforting chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken breast with a rich, smoky garlic butter sauce that will become your new family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavors right at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 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 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.
  4. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the butter. Stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  7. Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. The starch in the reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.