Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic & Paprika – A Cozy Dinner Idea

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Creamy Garlic-Paprika Chicken Lazone: A 25-Minute Dinner Dream

Some nights, you just need a quick and incredibly delicious dinner that feels like something straight out of a fancy restaurant—but without all the effort. That’s exactly where Chicken Lazone comes in! This dish is a creamy, garlicky, and slightly smoky chicken recipe that’s full of rich flavors and velvety sauce, perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or even a side of roasted veggies.

The best part? It’s ready in just 25 minutes! That’s right—this is one of those recipes that’s fast enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that creates a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lazone Recipe

✔️ Super simple ingredients – You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
✔️ Full of bold, creamy flavor – The paprika and garlic powder add the perfect savory touch.
✔️ One-pan magic – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Pairs with everything – Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

So if you’re looking for a go-to creamy chicken recipe, this is the one. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this rich and creamy Chicken Lazone:

For the Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps create a beautiful golden sear.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a warm, smoky depth of flavor.
  • Salt & black pepper to taste – Essential for balancing the seasoning.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Because you can never have too much garlic!
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness to complement the garlic.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano – A little herby kick for extra depth.

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream – The base of that dreamy, velvety sauce.
  • ¼ cup chicken broth – Adds a savory touch and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce for a rich, cheesy bite.
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish) – Brings a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Got everything? Great—let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter adds flavor, while the olive oil keeps it from burning.

While the pan heats up, season the chicken breasts with:
✔️ Paprika
✔️ Salt & black pepper
✔️ Garlic powder
✔️ Onion powder
✔️ Dried oregano

Make sure each piece is well coated—this seasoning blend is what gives Chicken Lazone its signature bold, smoky, and garlicky flavor.

Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. The goal here is to get a nice sear on the chicken, locking in those juices while creating a flavorful crust.

👉 Pro Tip: If your chicken isn’t fully cooked after searing, don’t worry! It will finish cooking when we add it back into the creamy sauce later.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now, let’s turn all those delicious browned bits left in the pan into a rich, velvety sauce.

1️⃣ Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. These add so much depth to the sauce!
2️⃣ Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce, thickening it slightly.

At this point, your kitchen is probably smelling incredible—the garlic, paprika, and Parmesan melting into the cream create a dreamy, restaurant-quality aroma.

Now that our chicken is perfectly seared and our creamy Parmesan sauce is simmering, it’s time to bring everything together for the ultimate garlicky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dish. Plus, I’ve got some expert tips and serving suggestions to take this recipe to the next level!

Step 3: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Now that the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s time to reintroduce the chicken. Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

✔️ Spoon some of that creamy goodness over each piece so the flavors soak into the chicken.
✔️ Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through.

At this point, you’ll notice the sauce clinging beautifully to the chicken, creating a rich, velvety coating that’s full of garlic, paprika, and cheesy goodness.

👉 Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes before adding the chicken back in. If it gets too thick, just stir in a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it up!

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly coated and warmed through, remove it from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also gives a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

And just like that, dinner is ready! But what should you serve it with?

Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Lazone

This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, so it pairs best with simple sides that balance it out. Here are some of my top picks:

🍝 Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
🍚 Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for absorbing all that creamy goodness.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes + this garlicky chicken? A match made in heaven.
🥦 Roasted Veggies: Keep it light with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
🥖 Crusty Bread: Because you’ll definitely want to mop up every last drop of that sauce!

Pro Tips & Variations to Make This Dish Even Better

This Chicken Lazone is already incredibly delicious, but if you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations:

1. Add a Spicy Kick 🌶️

🔥 Love heat? Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spice mix for a little extra warmth.

2. Make It Extra Cheesy 🧀

🥄 Stir in an extra tablespoon of Parmesan at the end for a richer, cheesier sauce.

3. Swap the Protein 🍗

This creamy sauce works not just with chicken! Try it with:
✔️ Shrimp – Cook them the same way, but reduce the searing time to about 2 minutes per side.
✔️ Salmon – A fantastic low-carb option that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
✔️ Pork Chops – Perfect if you want a heartier meal!

4. Lighten It Up 🥑

If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. You’ll still get creaminess, just with fewer calories!

By now, your Chicken Lazone is plated, smothered in creamy Parmesan sauce, and ready to be devoured. But before you dig in (or plan when to make it again!), let’s go over some common questions to make sure you get perfect results every time.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. What exactly is Chicken Lazone?

Chicken Lazone is a Louisiana-inspired dish featuring pan-seared chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. While its origins aren’t as widely known as other Cajun or Creole dishes, it’s a Southern favorite because of its bold flavors, quick prep time, and simple ingredients.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

✔️ Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Lazone?

Yes, but with a small adjustment! Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so if you plan to freeze it:
1️⃣ Freeze the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
2️⃣ Make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Chicken Lazone is already keto-friendly—just serve it with:
🥦 Steamed or roasted veggies instead of pasta or rice.
🥑 Zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
🥗 A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette.

6. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

✔️ Too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to loosen it up.
✔️ Too thin? Let it simmer for an extra minute to reduce and thicken.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, swap out:
✔️ Butter → Olive oil or dairy-free butter
✔️ Heavy cream → Full-fat coconut milk
✔️ Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan substitute

The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, with a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Lazone

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal, this Creamy Garlic-Paprika Chicken Lazone is the perfect choice. With just one pan and 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s loaded with rich, velvety sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken.

Why this recipe is a keeper:

✔️ Easy to make in just one pan
✔️ Bold garlic and paprika flavors
✔️ Super creamy sauce with Parmesan goodness
✔️ Perfect for weeknights or special occasions

Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out. Did you add any fun twists? What did you serve it with? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy cooking! 😊🍽️

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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic & Paprika – A Cozy Dinner Idea

This Chicken Lazone is a simple yet decadent dish with a creamy, garlicky sauce infused with paprika and Parmesan. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner that feels gourmet!

  • Author: Mark's Recipe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1️⃣ Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.

2️⃣ Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

3️⃣ Sear the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5️⃣ Melt the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.

6️⃣ Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.

7️⃣ Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice!

Notes

Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Make it even creamier: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Pairing ideas: Serve with buttery pasta, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for the perfect meal.

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