Description
A delicious dish combining tender chicken thighs and al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and a touch of sweetness.
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
- Begin by cooking the pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente consistency. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve half a cup of the cooking water.
- In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, which usually takes about one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can introduce a bitter flavor.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add it to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches a golden brown hue. Then, pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring gently. Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Afterward, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Gradually add in the reserved pasta water until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce for a few hours. This dish can also be enhanced with seasonal vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian