Name: Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (Costabile Brand (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off) ); 1 1/2 lb Springer mountain farms chicken breast; 1 1/2 tsp paprika (OliveNation); 1 1/2 tsp oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder (OliveNation); 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta; 4 tbsp butter; 2 tsp dry shallots ((use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off) ); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp Gluten Free 1:1 Flour; 3 cups heavy cream

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that just screams comfort and pure deliciousness. It’s the ultimate weeknight warrior, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, a recipe I find myself turning to again and again when I need something satisfying and undeniably good. What is it about this seemingly simple combination that captivates us all? It’s that perfect balance of tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce infused with fragrant garlic, and the salty, nutty punch of grated Parmesan cheese. Every forkful delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a little slice of culinary happiness that never fails to hit the spot. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this sensational Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. For starters, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you’re craving something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are readily available at almost any grocery store, and the steps are straightforward, even for novice cooks. Plus, the versatility is fantastic! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even swapping out the pasta shape. This recipe is designed to be forgiving and adaptable, ensuring success every time you make it.

What Makes This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Special

What truly sets this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta apart is the depth of flavor achieved with simple techniques. We’re not just throwing everything together; we’re building layers of taste. Searing the chicken to golden perfection locks in its juices, while sautéing the garlic just enough to release its aroma without burning is key to that irresistible fragrance. The sauce, a creamy emulsion of Parmesan, broth, and a hint of something magical (you’ll see!), clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, creating a truly indulgent experience. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself.

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

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

First, we need to prepare our chicken. I like to use Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast because it’s always so tender and flavorful. You’ll want to start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat with the pasta. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Make sure each piece is well coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Set the seasoned chicken aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the pasta and sauce.

Cooking the Pasta

Boiling the Farfalle

Now, let’s get our pasta cooking. We’re using gluten-free farfalle pasta, which has a lovely bow-tie shape that holds sauce wonderfully. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 ounces of gluten-free farfalle pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or until it is al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and set it aside. You can reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy water can be helpful if your sauce needs a little thinning later on.

Searing the Chicken

Achieving a Golden Sear

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams. Cook 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). Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leaving the chicken on a plate will prevent it from overcooking while we build the sauce. Don’t worry about any browned bits left in the skillet; those are packed with flavor and will be used to build our delicious sauce.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Building the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the 2 teaspoons of dried shallots and the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Sauté the shallots for about 1-2 minutes, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn them. Next, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free 1:1 flour over the shallots and butter. Whisk this mixture constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. This roux will help thicken our sauce beautifully.

Adding Liquids and Enriching the Sauce

Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the roux, stirring continuously until smooth and no lumps remain. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. Now, slowly pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Continue to stir the sauce as it thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency – it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable – you can season it with a little more salt and pepper if needed. This creamy sauce is the heart of our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, and its rich flavor will complement the chicken and pasta perfectly.

Combining and Finishing

Bringin extractg it All Together

Now that our creamy sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, just to heat through and absorb some of those wonderful flavors. Finally, add the cooked gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this point, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and salty parmesan combine to create a truly comforting and flavorful meal. Don’t be afraid to make this your own; we’ve discussed a few ways to adapt it. The key is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. We hope you love making and eating this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta as much as we do!

For serving, this pasta is fantastic on its own, but we also love pairing it with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. When it comes to variations, feel free to add in some sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. You could also swap the chicken for shrimp or even Italian sausage. The possibilities are truly endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, you can! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken separately and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, then cook the pasta al dente and combine everything. You may need to add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.

What kind of pasta is best for this dish?

While most dried pasta shapes will work well, we find that medium shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce beautifully. They offer a satisfying bite and ensure every forkful is coated in flavor.