Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Quick & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tsp dried shallots; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour; 3 cups heavy cream

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagin extracte tender, pan-seared chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and generously dusted with salty Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes in pure bliss with every bite. We all crave those comforting, yet incredibly flavorful, meals that feel both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make, and this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta absolutely delivers. It’s the ultimate weeknight warrior, capable of transforming a busy evening into a cozy, restaurant-worthy dining occasion right in your own kitchen. What truly sets this particular Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta apart is the delicate balance of robust garlic notes with the sharp tang of Parmesan, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp dried shallots
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
3 cups heavy cream

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat your Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure a nice sear when we cook it. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Toss everything together gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This seasoning blend will infuse the chicken with fantastic flavor as it cooks. Set this seasoned chicken aside while you get the pasta water boiling.

Searing the Chicken

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. You want to avoid overcrowding the pan, so if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. This is crucial for achieving a good sear, which locks in the juices and adds a lovely browned exterior. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This searing process creates a depth of flavor that will elevate your entire dish.

Cooking the Pasta

Boiling the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to cook our gluten-free farfalle pasta. 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 an eye on it to avoid overcooking. 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 water is a secret weapon for creating a silky smooth sauce later on. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Building the Flavor Base

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wipe it clean; those browned bits are pure flavor!), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly frothy, add the 2 teaspoons of dried shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Now, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free 1:1 flour and stir continuously for another minute. This step is key to creating a roux, which will thicken our sauce. Cooking the flour for a minute helps to eliminate any raw flour taste and ensures a smooth sauce consistency.

Simmering the Sauce

Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue whisking until the broth is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Now, slowly pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream. Add the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. The aroma at this stage will be absolutely divine!

Combining Everything

Finishing Touches

Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Add the cooked and drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the sauce. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it reaches your preferred texture. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The richness of the heavy cream, the savory garlic and herbs, and the tender chicken all come together in this incredibly satisfying Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your very own delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is ready to be enjoyed. We’ve walked through each step, from perfectly cooked pasta to that irresistible garlic parmesan sauce coating tender chicken. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a more casual get-together with friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – that’s the beauty of cooking! I hope you find as much joy in making and eating this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta as I do.

For serving suggestions, this pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous with variations, consider adding some steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritional boost, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You could also swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the garlic parmesan sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much, before tossing it with the cooked pasta and chicken.

What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

While this recipe works well with most pasta shapes, shorter pastas like fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Just ensure you cook your pasta al dente according to package directions for the best texture.