Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 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 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, plus more for serving

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce is enough to make your stomach rum extractble with anticnon-alcoholic ipation. This dish has rightfully earned its place as a crowd-pleasing favorite for so many reasons. It strikes that incredible balance between simple, weeknight-friendly preparation and restaurant-quality deliciousness. What truly sets this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta apart is the harmonious marriage of savory ingredients. The subtle bite of garlic, mellowed by a creamy sauce, embraces the salty, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese, all while cradling succulent pieces of chicken. It’s a symphony of flavors that delights the senses and leaves you utterly satisfied, craving just one more forkful.”

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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 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 first step in creating our delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is to prepare the chicken. I like to start by cutting my Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and makes it easier to enjoy in every forkful. Once the chicken is cut, place it in a medium bowl. Now, let’s get it seasoned. Sprinkle the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken pieces. Gently toss the chicken with your hands or a spoon to make sure each piece is coated with the flavorful seasonings. This initial seasoning is crucial for building layers of flavor into our pasta dish.

Searing the Chicken

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming it. Overcrowding will prevent the chicken from browning properly, and we want those beautiful golden-brown edges for extra flavor and texture. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden crust. 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 packed with flavor and will be incorporated into our sauce.

Cooking the Pasta

Now, let’s get our gluten-free farfalle pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 ounces of gluten-free farfalle pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. It’s important not to overcook gluten-free pasta, as it can become mushy. While the pasta is cooking, it’s a good time to start on our creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This reserved water is liquid gold for thickening sauces and making them extra silky. Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet where you seared the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the 2 teaspoons of dried shallots. Sauté the shallots for about 1 minute until they are fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Now, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free 1:1 flour over the shallots and butter. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This roux will act as a thickener for our sauce. It’s important to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Let this mixture simmer for about 1 minute, allowing it to thicken slightly. Next, gradually pour in the 3 cups of heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Now comes the best part: the cheese! Gradually stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with a little more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Combining Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken. Now, add the drained gluten-free farfalle pasta 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 a little too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help to emulsify the sauce and make it even smoother. Continue to toss until the pasta is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of cheesy goodness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delightful and satisfying plate of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! We’ve walked through each step to create this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich Parmesan sauce combine to create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving; this dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread for sopping up any extra sauce, or even some steamed asparagus for added freshness.

Remember, the beauty of this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or even throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients. We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components of this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make the sauce separately as well. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and pasta gently and then combine with the warmed sauce. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce slightly.

Q: What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

A: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully for this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and stay moister, while breasts offer a leaner option. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.