Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Pro tip: a little undercooking now saves you from mushy dreams later.
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Don’t rush—flavor loves a spa day too.
Add the chicken. Cook until it’s no longer pink in the middle, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness. If you’re using breasts, slice them to speed things up.
Stir in the broth, cream, and tomatoes if using. Bring to a light simmer and let the flavors mingle for 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked pasta and most of the cheese. Toss gently to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer a few minutes until the cheese melts and everything is cozy together.
Taste and adjust seasonings. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a touch longer.
Garnish with parsley or green onions, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and serve hot.