Name: Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast; 1 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 1/2 tsp oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta; 4 tbsp butter; 2 tsp dried shallots; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and frankly, one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinners. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy, savory sauce clingin extractg to perfectly cooked pasta, punctuated by tender pieces of chicken and the delightful punch of garlic. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary evenings into special occasions without any fuss. People adore Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta because it hits all the right notes: it’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being overpowering, and universally appealing. What truly sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you scraping the bowl clean. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this irresistible creation.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
4 tbsp butter
2 tsp dried shallots
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning and Searing

Begin extract by preparing your chicken. I like to trim any excess fat from the Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts and then slice them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat with the pasta. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the seasoning blend. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor from the start.

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where a lot of the flavor is!

Cooking the Pasta

Boiling and Draining

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get the gluten-free farfalle pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 ounces of gluten-free farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a little more delicate than traditional pasta, so keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy. You want it to be al dente – tender but with a slight bite.

Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold will be invaluable for achieving a silky smooth sauce later on. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. I like to give it a quick toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you make the sauce.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Building the Flavor Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wipe it clean!), add the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the 2 teaspoons of dried shallots. Sauté the shallots for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This rehydrates the dried shallots and releases their sweet, mild oniony flavor.

Next, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free 1:1 flour and the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Whisk this mixture constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux, which will help thicken our sauce. This step is important for preventing a floury taste in the finished sauce.

Deglazing and Simmering

Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, still whisking. Once the broth has been incorporated and the mixture has thickened slightly, gradually pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream. Continue to whisk as you add the cream, ensuring everything is well combined.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer again. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach its desired consistency. This is also a good time to taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, although the Parmesan will add a good amount of saltiness.

Combining and Finishing

Adding the Cheese and Chicken

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, transforming the simple cream sauce into a rich, decadent Garlic Parmesan sauce.

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Now, add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it even smoother.

Serve the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delicious and incredibly satisfying recipe for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We’ve combined tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce to create a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and elegant. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you’ll achieve, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving suggestions, this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up that irresistible sauce. Consider a light vinaigrette for the salad to balance the richness of the pasta.

When it comes to variations, the possibilities are endless! You can easily add some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce. Feel free to swap out the pasta shape for your favorite – penne, fettuccine, or even rotini work wonderfully. And for an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving adds a lovely touch of freshness and color.

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta as much as we do. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving and then combine everything. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy if it sits in the sauce for too long.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. They are easy to work with and cook relatively quickly. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy enjoyment.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan is key to the signature flavor of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, you can experiment with other hard, salty cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or a blend of Parmesan and Gruyere for added complexity. However, Parmesan is highly recommended for achieving the authentic taste.