Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta – Easy One Pan Comfort Food Dinner
Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta – Easy One Pan Comfort Food Dinner
This smoky garlic butter chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner that comes together in just one pan! Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers incredible depth of flavor with smoky seasonings, rich garlic butter sauce, and tender chicken breast. The best part? You can make this one-pan dinner from start to finish in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Smoky Garlic Butter Sauce
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 onion powder, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter mixture. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. If you’re looking for more creamy pasta inspiration, this recipe delivers similar rich flavors without alcohol.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips
- Quality Matters: Use real butter rather than margarine for the best flavor. The combination of butter and high-quality Parmesan creates that luxurious sauce texture.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: For extra smoky depth, add a pinch of liquid smoke or increase the smoked paprika to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Pasta Choice: This recipe works best with pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. For another easy one-pot meal, try our chicken and rice variation.
- Cream Control: Want it creamier? Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream. For lighter versions, substitute with half-and-half.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with beef strips or even turkey. The smoky garlic butter sauce complements any protein beautifully.
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 broth to restore the creamy texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The cooking time may vary slightly with different pasta types.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a complete meal on its own but also great with sides.
Can I freeze this meal?
While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta – Easy One Pan Comfort Food Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 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 onion powder, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add uncooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter mixture. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
