Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is designed for convenience, with a one-pan cooking method that makes cleanup a breeze. It’s quick, ready in under 30 minutes, and the sweet and smoky flavor combination from garlic, brown sugar, and smoked paprika is irresistible. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to swap proteins or add extra veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or farfalle)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheese lovers: Add more cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a cheesy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, penne, farfalle, or any pasta of your choice will work well.
2. Can I make this dish without chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or extra veggies for a vegetarian or seafood option.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, consider using red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy paprika blend.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance to save time on the day you cook.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
6. Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or arugula would be great alternatives to spinach in this dish.
7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can easily replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
8. What other herbs can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add basil, thyme, or oregano to give the dish more depth and complexity.
9. What if the pasta is too dry after cooking?
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, just add a little more chicken broth or water to keep it saucy.
10. Can I add more garlic?
If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two for more flavor!
Conclusion
One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With its irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy it as-is, or get creative with your own variations!
Print
One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal. With juicy chicken, smoky paprika, garlic, and tender pasta in a rich sauce, this one-pan dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a busy evening, it’s a go-to recipe for those craving a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or farfalle)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added spice, you can introduce red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- You can use a variety of pasta such as penne, farfalle, or any type of pasta you have on hand.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
