Sticky Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
A delightful fusion of flavors with tender chicken thighs enveloped in a smoky garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Garlic
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, usually about 30 seconds.
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (and red pepper flakes if desired). Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring well. Let it simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Combining the Dish
- Toss in the drained pasta, mixing everything well. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serving
- Dish the pasta onto plates or bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment. Reheat gently to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Feel free to switch out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even try tofu for a vegetarian twist.