Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic!
Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Mix in the paprika for an added flavor kick.
Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy every cheesy bite!