Name: Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta - Delicious & Quick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4-6 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; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a dish that instantly brings a smile to my face, and I’m betting it does the same for you! There’s something incredibly comforting and utterly delicious about perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, studded with tender pieces of chicken and bursting with the savory, pungent aroma of garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. What truly sets this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta apart is its ability to be both simple enough for a novice cook and flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates. The magic lies in the balance of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
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 minced shallots
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken

The foundation of our delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta begin extracts with perfectly seasoned chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for pasta dishes. First, make sure your chicken breasts are trimmed of any excess fat. You can leave them whole and slice them after cooking, or for faster cooking and easier eating, slice them into bite-sized pieces or thin strips beforgin extractou begin. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the spice mixture; this is where a lot of the flavor is built. Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes while you start on the pasta, or longer if you have time – the spices will really meld into the meat.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get our gluten-free pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit trickier than traditional pasta, so it’s important to follow the package directions closely, but generally, you’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente – meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked gluten-free pasta can become gummy. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but crucially, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and will be essential for achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency later on. Do not rinse the pasta.

Searing the Chicken

Now, let’s get that flavorful chicken cooked. Heat the 2 tablespoons of 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; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams. Searing creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and locks in the juices. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet – those browned bits left in the pan are full of flavor and will contribute to our sauce.

Building the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic happens and we create that irresistible, velvety sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Once the butter has melted, add the dried minced shallots and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the shallots. Sprinkle the gluten-free 1:1 flour over the melted butter and shallots, and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This step is essential for creating a roux, which will thicken our sauce. It helps cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Let this simmer gently for a minute or two, allowing it to thicken slightly. Now, pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream and add the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Finishing and Combining

Once the sauce is simmering and has started to thicken, it’s time to add the star ingredient: the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with a little more salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating a truly delightful plate of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We’ve covered everything from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering those essential cooking techniques that ensure a perfectly creamy and flavorful result. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that’s both comforting and impressive. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the suggested variations to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness.

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. Cook the chicken and boil the pasta separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and pasta, then combine with the sauce. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What other vegetables can I add to this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

This dish is incredibly versatile! Sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, sun-dried tomatoes, or even asparagus would be fantastic additions. Make sure to cook any added vegetables until tender-crisp before incorporating them into the pasta.