Name: Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 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 dry shallots; 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 more than just a meal; it’s a creamy, garlicky hug on a plate that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of countless home cooks. Have you ever craved something incredibly satisfying, bursting with familiar yet utterly delicious flavors, and relatively simple to whip up on a busy weeknight? This is it. What makes Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta so universally loved? It’s the perfect harmony of tender, pan-seared chicken breast, tossed with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously rich sauce that’s infused with the pungent warmth of garlic and the sharp, salty tang of Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with pure enjoyment after the first bite, a testament to its comforting and decadent nature. This recipe elevates the classic, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil (Costabile Brand)
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 dry 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

Let’s get started by preparing our chicken. I like to use Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast because it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. First, we need to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat in every bite of pasta. Once cut, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a nice sear when we cook it. In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this expertly crafted seasoning blend all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them thoroughly on all sides. Gently toss the chicken to distribute the spices evenly. Set this seasoned chicken aside while we get our pasta ready.

Cooking the Pasta

Boiling the Farfalle

Now, let’s get our gluten-free farfalle pasta cooking. Farfalle, often called “bow-tie” pasta, is fantastic for this dish because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the 12 oz of gluten-free farfalle pasta. Stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the pot to prevent it from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, which we definitely want to avoid in a rich, creamy dish like this. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and will be instrum extractental in achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it.

Cooking the Chicken and Building the Sauce

Searing the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add about half of the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Searing creates a delicious brown crust that adds a depth of flavor. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken, adding a little more olive oil if needed. Once all the chicken is cooked and removed from the skillet, reduce the heat to medium.

Sautéing Aromatics and Creating the Roux

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Allow the butter to melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add the 2 teaspoons of dry shallots. Sauté the shallots for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Now, we’re going to make a roux, which will thicken our sauce. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour over the shallots and butter. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook slightly. This step is important to remove the raw flour taste. The mixture will form a paste.

Deglazing and Simmering the Sauce

Gradually pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth while whisking continuously to incorporate it into the flour mixture. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this is where a lot of flavor is hiding! Let the broth simmer for a minute or two until it starts to thicken slightly. Now, it’s time to add the star of our sauce: the heavy cream. Pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream and add the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken to a luxurious, creamy consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Combining Everything

Adding Chicken and Pasta to the Sauce

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Then, add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce until every piece is coated in the luscious, garlicky Parmesan goodness. If the pasta seems a little dry or if the sauce isn’t coating it as well as you’d like, add a little more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency. Continue to gently toss until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated and heated through. This final step ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy the amazing aroma and taste of your homemade Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make our incredibly delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! This recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory garlic and Parmesan combination create a truly satisfying experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own!

For serving, this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is wonderful on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh side salad, crusty bread for dipping up any extra sauce, or even some steamed asparagus for added color and nutrients.

Feel free to get creative with variations! You can add in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. For a touch of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.

We encourage you to try this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe soon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

FAQs:

Can I make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine everything. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also use leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, to save time.