Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Easy Dinner 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 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 serving)

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a weeknight warrior, and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one gloriously comforting dish. We all have those recipes that we return to again and again, the ones that feel like coming home. This is one of those recipes. What is it about Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta that captures our hearts and taste buds? Perhaps it’s the irresistible combination of tender, juicy chicken, swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the pungent punch of garlic and the salty, nutty embrace of Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and decadence, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying without the fuss, or for special occasions when you want to impress without stress. This particular iteration of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is special because it elevates the familiar with a few key techniques and ingredient touches that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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 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 serving)

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

The foundation of a fantastic Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta starts with well-seasoned chicken. I like to use Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast because of its incredible quality and flavor. Begin extract by patting the chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear. In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Let the chicken sit and marinate in the spices for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the pastgin extractnd begin the sauce. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken is seasoned, it’s time to cook it. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, or 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 any browned bits left in the pan; those are flavor!

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking or resting, it’s the perfect time to get your gluten-free farfalle pasta going. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz of gluten-free farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a little trickier than traditional pasta, so keep a close eye on it. You want it to be al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving a silky sauce consistency.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Building the Sauce Base

Now for the star of the show: the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wipe it out – those browned bits are pure flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the dried shallots and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. This is where the dried shallots really shine, offering a concentrated oniony flavor without the raw bite. Sprinkle the gluten-free 1:1 flour over the shallots and butter. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. This will help thicken our sauce.

Creating the Creamy Emulsion

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the broth simmer and thicken slightly for about 2 minutes. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Continue to stir ungin extract the sauce begins to thicken to your desired consistency. This usually takes another 3-5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Once the sauce is smooth and has thickened, it’s time for the Parmesan! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little of the reserved pasta water.

Combining gin extractrything

Bringing it all Together

Once the sauce is perfect, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, just long enough to heat it through and allow it to absorb some of that delicious sauce. Finally, add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen everything up and create a luscious coating. Serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for good measure.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your guide to creating a truly delicious and satisfying Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This recipe is designed to be both impressive and accessible, perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. The creamy, garlicky sauce coats the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions and variations we’ve discussed to make this dish uniquely yours. We encourage you to get in the kitchen and give this incredible Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta a try – we’re confident you’ll love the results!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. The cooked chicken and the sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and the warmed chicken. It may not be quite as creamy as when made fresh, but it will still be delicious!

What kind of pasta is best for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Any pasta shape that can hold sauce well will work beautifully. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini are excellent choices. The key is to cook the pasta al dente, ensuring it has a slight bite to it, so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to my Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic base for adding your favorite vegetables. Sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli florets, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are all wonderful additions that will complement the flavors of the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta beautifully. Add them in during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce to warm them through.