Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

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Rich, velvety, and irresistibly flavorful — Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the kind of comfort food that hugs your soul with every bite. Imagine tender strips of golden-seared chicken, kissed with smoky spices and nestled in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Each forkful of this creamy pasta delivers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and buttery richness that makes dinner feel like a warm, indulgent escape.

Perfect for cozy evenings, special date nights, or when you simply crave a restaurant-style dish at home, this easy dinner is made with everyday ingredients but feels anything but ordinary. The garlic-infused butter sauce clings beautifully to every ribbon of pasta, while the smoky chicken adds depth and just the right amount of boldness to make this a repeat-worthy meal.

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Ingredients for this Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan and cracked pepper for serving

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Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken strips dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear properly without steaming. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat well and set aside for at least 10 minutes to let those smoky flavors soak in.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water — it’s perfect for loosening the sauce later if needed. Set the cooked pasta aside.

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Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if necessary. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Add Parmesan and Combine

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Garnish

Return the seared chicken to the pan and toss it through the pasta and sauce. Let everything warm together for another minute or two. Plate your pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley for that final touch of brightness.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta fresh and delicious for leftovers, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months, but note that cream-based sauces may slightly change texture when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

2. Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?

Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for the sauce and a vegan Parmesan substitute.

3. What pasta shape works best for this dish?

Fettuccine or linguine works great, but penne or rigatoni can also hold the sauce well.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

5. How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while mixing to loosen the sauce to your liking.

6. What sides go well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect companions.

7. Can I make it spicier?

Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your seasonings and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

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