Ultimate Comfort Chicken Pasta Recipe with Smoky Garlic Butter Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to warm you up from the inside out. This smoky garlic butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s infused with garlic and subtle smoky notes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes. If you love easy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another quick family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining smoked paprika and onion powder.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. The smoked paprika is key to achieving that wonderful smoky flavor – don’t skip it! If you’re looking for more comforting dinner ideas, try our Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes for an easy slow cooker option.

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like Vibrant Pesto Green Beans or a fresh salad. For those who love creamy pasta dishes, our Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Pasta offers another delicious variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or even meatless alternatives. The smoky garlic butter sauce is versatile and delicious with various proteins.

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

Can I make this dish ahead? You can prep the chicken and sauce components separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.

Ultimate Comfort Chicken Pasta Recipe with Smoky Garlic Butter Sauce

This comforting chicken pasta features tender chicken and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy smoky garlic butter sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines indulgent flavors with quick preparation time.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove 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. Stir in remaining smoked paprika and onion powder.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. Smoked paprika is key for the smoky flavor – don’t skip it. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with splash of cream or broth.