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

When you need a dinner that feels like a warm hug but comes together in under 30 minutes, this smoky garlic butter chicken pasta is your answer. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and smoky paprika, this one-pan wonder is the definition of comfort food perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all evening.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add red pepper flakes if using, and cook for another 30 seconds.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can sometimes make sauces grainy. Fresh garlic is essential here—the pre-minced jarred variety just doesn’t deliver the same flavor punch.

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta for another quick dinner option.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken—work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets that beautiful golden sear. The smoky flavor comes from the smoked paprika, but you can also add a touch of liquid smoke (just a few drops) for extra depth if you’re a smoke flavor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or even meatballs. The garlic butter sauce is incredibly versatile.

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 or cream to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for best results, cook and serve immediately. The pasta can become soft if left sitting in the sauce too long.

For more easy dinner inspiration, check out our Cheesy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta—another family favorite that comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.

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

This one-pan comfort dinner features tender chicken and pasta in a rich, smoky garlic butter sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

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

Method

 

Instructions

1. Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add red pepper flakes if using, and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
5. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for better sauce consistency. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken—work in batches if necessary. Fresh garlic is essential for maximum flavor.