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Sticky Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

A flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with pasta that absorbs all the smokey goodness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 8 oz penne or linguine pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken in the pan and sear until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. Create the Sauce: Remove the chicken and let it rest. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring until blended.
  4. Add the Smoky Flavor: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and stir. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and let them coat in the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Mix until the pasta is coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta hot, topped with red pepper flakes, parsley, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with veggies or different sauces to suit your taste preferences!

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, garlic butter, smoky flavor, comfort food