Creamy pasta tossed with tender chicken, smoky spices, garlic butter, Parmesan, and a touch of cayenne for added warmth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken & Seasoning
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
06 - Salt and pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Sauce
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup chicken broth
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Juice of half a lemon
14 - 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
→ Pasta
15 - 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; season the chicken pieces thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and allow to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring continuously until melted and sauce is smooth.
07 - Return cooked chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to integrate all flavors.
08 - Prepare pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
09 - Add drained pasta to skillet with sauce and chicken. Toss to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
10 - Plate immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
