Smoked Paprika Chicken Pasta

This smoked paprika chicken pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. Tender chicken pieces are coated in smoky paprika, simmered in a lightly spiced cream sauce, and tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal when time is limited. The smoked paprika adds deep, rich flavor without being overpowering, while the creamy sauce keeps everything indulgent and balanced. It uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and can be adjusted to suit mild or spicy preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

250 g chicken breast, diced
4 tablespoons smoked paprika
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 tablespoon dried chilli flakes
2 tablespoons passata
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
300 ml double cream
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
300 g tubed pasta such as rigatoni or penne

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the smoked paprika until well mixed.
Add the diced chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the paprika mixture.

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide shallow pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and gently fry until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the dried chilli flakes and tomato puree, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Add the coated chicken to the pan along with the passata. Stir well and allow the chicken to cook through.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickened.

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Pour the double cream into the pan with the chicken. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix until fully coated. Stir in the grated cheddar and fresh basil just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Total time required is around 25 minutes.

Variations

You can swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
For extra heat, increase the amount of dried chilli flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
To make it lighter, replace half of the double cream with cooking cream or milk.
Mushrooms or spinach can be added to the sauce for extra vegetables and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave reheating works well too, using short intervals and stirring in between to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Is smoked paprika very spicy?

Smoked paprika is more smoky than spicy, with only mild heat.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in smaller amounts.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short tubular pasta with ridges, such as penne or rigatoni, works best to hold the sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Cream-based sauces do not freeze well, as they can separate when reheated.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the dried chilli flakes to keep the dish mild.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, mild cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, can be used instead of cheddar.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Why should I reserve pasta water?

Pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.

Conclusion

Smoked paprika chicken pasta is a simple yet flavorful meal that delivers comfort and depth with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, smoky seasoning, and versatile nature make it a reliable recipe you can return to whenever you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

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