Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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 chicken broth; 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour blend; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of comforting flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering? This is that dish. People absolutely adore Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta because it strikes that perfect balance: tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with the savory punch of garlic and the salty, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese. What truly makes this particular Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta special is the way the simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary, a testament to how delicious well-loved classics can be with a little thoughtful preparation. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness with this foolproof recipe.

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 chicken broth
2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour blend
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

The foundation of a truly delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta starts with well-seasoned chicken. I like to use Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast because it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. Begin extract by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Add the dried chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This ensures that every bite of chicken will be bursting with savory flavor. Allow the chicken to sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare your pasta and sauce base; this resting period allows the flavors to meld.

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. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 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 cleaning the skillet; those browned bits are packed with flavor and will be essential for our sauce.

Cooking the Pasta and Building the Sauce

Cooking the Gluten-Free Pasta

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of 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 tricky, so it’s important to cook it until it’s al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta well, but reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold for helping to emulsify your sauce and achieve a silky smooth consistency.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wipe it out!), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the dried shallots and sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. Next, whisk in the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Gradually sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. This will help thicken our sauce.

Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Let this mixture simmer for a minute or two untgin extractit begins to thicken slightly. Now, pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s important not to let the cream boil vigorously, as it can curdle.

Incorporating the Cheese and Finishing Touches

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Now, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the creamy goodness. Add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve 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.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Easy Weeknight Dinner

Conclusion:

You’ve done it! You’ve successfully recreated the incredibly satisfying and flavorful Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a perfect balance of tender chicken, pungent garlic, and rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce, all clingin extractg to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

To elevate your experience, consider serving your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment! Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a nutritional boost, or swap out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and a hint of heat.

We hope you enjoyed making and devouring this delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta as much as we did. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and discover your favorite variations. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare most of the components of the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and pasta gently, then toss with the warmed sauce. You may need to add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: What type of pasta is best for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

A: While many pasta shapes work well, short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are excellent choices for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Their nooks and crannies are perfect for holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used, but be mindful of ensuring even coating.