Paprika Chicken Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with a smoky, creamy paprika sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal. This flavorful recipe features chicken breasts seasoned with paprika and other spices, which are then pan-seared to perfection, infusing the dish with a warm, earthy flavor. The pasta is cooked in a rich sauce made with garlic, onions, bell peppers, cream, and a hint of lemon, creating a balance of tanginess and creaminess that complements the paprika-infused chicken. Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner with family. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken strips with the spice mixture.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy paprika sauce.
- Serve:
- Divide the paprika chicken pasta among serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Paprika Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the smoky flavor of paprika with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
