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Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Dinner

This smoky garlic butter chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes with a magical combination of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and smoked paprika. The creamy sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken, making it an ideal weeknight comfort food dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 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 (fettuccine, penne, or bowtie work well)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 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
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add remaining smoked paprika and onion powder, stirring to combine.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it's mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce has thickened and everything is well combined.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for best flavor. Don't skip the smoked paprika as it provides essential smoky depth. For thicker sauce, let it reduce longer after adding cream. Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during last few minutes of cooking. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or cream.