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Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Comfort Food Dinner

This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce infused with smoky undertones. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or linguine work well)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Smoky Base: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.

Notes

Choose the Right Pasta: Short, tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni work best. Don't Overcook the Garlic: Add it to the butter just until fragrant (30-45 seconds). Control the Smoke Level: Start with recommended smoked paprika and adjust to taste.