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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use real butter rather than margarine for the best flavor. For extra smoky depth, add a pinch of liquid smoke or increase the smoked paprika to 1 1/2 teaspoons. This recipe works best with pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.