Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Easy & Delicious Recipe
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; 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 low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour blend; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and for good reason! It’s a dish that consistently brings smiles to faces, a creamy, dreamy swirl of flavors that feels both luxurious and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. What makes this particular iteration so special? It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, fragrant garlic that’s mellowed to a sweet perfection, and a luscious, cheesy Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Forget bland, boring dinners; this recipe elevates simple ingredients into something truly remarkable, a culinary hug in a bowl that everyone will adore. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredible dish!

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

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Pat the Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear when cooking, which adds flavor and texture. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the spice blend. Set aside while you prepare the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz of gluten-free farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a little trickier to get right, so keep a close eye on it. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water is gold for thickening sauces and helping them cling to the pasta beautifully.

Searing the Chicken

Heat the 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. Sear the chicken 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.

Building the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the dried shallots and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp of gluten-free 1:1 flour blend over the shallots and butter, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This step creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Stir in the 2 tsp of Italian seasoning.

Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these bits are packed with flavor! Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking until it begin extracts to thicken slightly. Slowly pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken further. Stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Combining Everything

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add the cooked and drained gluten-free farfalle pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Allow the pasta and chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly delightful and surprisingly simple recipe for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! We’ve explored how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken, a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is a winner for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, offering that comforting, Italian-inspired flavor that everyone adores. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Serve it as is for a complete meal, or pair it with a crisp side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes – penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni work beautifully. For a touch of green, stir in some fresh spinach or chopped parsley at the end. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The beauty of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta lies in its adaptability. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover how satisfying homemade can be. Enjoy every single bite!

FAQs:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic substitute. Simply dice or shred it and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce to heat it through. This will save you a step while still delivering a delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

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

While almost any pasta will work, shapes that have ridges or nooks and crannies are excellent for holding onto the creamy sauce. Penne, rotini, sparkling grape juicetappi, and fettuccine are all popular and effective choices. The key is to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.