Description
How to make comfort chicken pasta with smoky garlic butter and tender herbs that creates the most satisfying weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Flavor Builders
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. This ensures crispy, golden pieces that won’t steam in the pan.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to plate and set aside.
- Build Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to same pan. Add garlic, remaining paprika, chipotle powder, and thyme. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in wine and scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Let wine reduce by half, then stir in cream and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half the Parmesan to sauce. Toss with pasta water as needed until creamy and well coated throughout.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve immediately with remaining Parmesan and extra black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water – it’s essential for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with added liquid.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with breasts, but watch cooking time carefully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end – every palate is different.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy for best texture.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g