If you love creamy pasta with layers of flavor and irresistible comfort, Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new weeknight crush. Packed with perfectly seasoned chicken, a blanket of velvety Parmesan sauce, and just the right touch of garlic, this dish is everything cozy dinners should be—hearty, deeply delicious, and oh-so satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Savory chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and a whisper of garlic make every bite a showstopper.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something extra special without extra work.
- Gluten-Free Comfort: With gluten-free pasta, everyone can dig in and enjoy the decadence—no compromises!
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Loved by picky eaters and gourmet palates alike, this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta never fails to spark second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is that you don’t need fancy ingredients—just a handful of kitchen staples that transform into something magical. Each one brings big flavor, luscious texture, or that golden color you crave in comfort food.
- Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil to sear your chicken for an extra layer of richness and subtle fruity notes.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast soaks up the seasonings and stays juicy when seared and gently cooked.
- Paprika, Oregano, Thyme, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: This seasoning blend brings warmth, earthiness, and depth to the chicken—don’t skip!
- Gluten-Free Farfalle Pasta: Bow-tie pasta that catches the creamy sauce in every fold, plus it’s perfect for gluten-free eaters.
- Butter: Melts into the pan for the sauce, building a velvety base with a hint of richness.
- Dry Shallots, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Layered flavor for the pasta sauce—use dry shallots for gentle sweetness and lift.
- Chicken Broth: Lightens the cream while amping up savory notes in the sauce.
- Gluten Free 1:1 Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right creamy consistency, no lumps!
- Heavy Cream: For that ultra-luxurious, dreamy mouthfeel everyone loves in a Parmesan sauce.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient—use freshly shredded for maximum meltiness and bold flavor.
- Pasta Water: Reserved from cooking; it’s your secret weapon for thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
- Extra Salt & Garlic Powder: For the final flavor boost in the sauce, ensuring every bite pops.
Variations
One of the most delightful things about Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is how customizable it is. Whether you need to suit a special diet or simply love to play with flavors, you can make this dish truly your own with a few easy tweaks.
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a creative twist that keeps the creamy sauce front and center.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative and sub coconut cream for the heavy cream—you’ll still get ultra-creamy results.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a gentle kick or use smoked paprika to nudge the flavor profile in a bold direction.
How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gluten-free farfalle and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Remember to reserve at least 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining—this liquid gold will help you get your sauce to just the right consistency later.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, grab a small bowl and mix together your paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick, even cooking (and juicy results!). Generously coat both sides with the seasoning blend, letting those flavors sink in.
Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for five minutes on each side, turning once they’re golden and fragrant. Then, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the chicken finish cooking gently for 10–12 minutes, or until it hits 165°F inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Garlic Sauce
With the chicken out of the skillet, drop in the butter and let it melt—make sure your heat is turned down so the butter stays golden, not brown. Add the dry shallots, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, giving everything a quick stir to get aromatic. Next, whisk in the flour, followed by a splash of chicken broth and the heavy cream, whisking until you have a silky, smooth sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan and Combine
Now, pour in all that glorious shredded Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and glossy. Toss in your cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to achieve your perfect sauce texture. Taste and season with more salt or garlic powder if needed.
Step 6: Slice, Toss, and Serve
Once the chicken’s rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the cheesy pasta. Give everything a gentle toss to coat, then serve your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta straight from the pan—creamy, cozy, and ready to delight.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Sauce Saver: Always reserve some pasta water—just a splash transforms any too-thick sauce into the perfect glossy consistency.
- Juicy Chicken Every Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps it moist and prevents all those flavorful juices from leaking out.
- Low and Slow for Butter: Reduce the pan heat before adding butter so it melts gently—burnt butter can overpower the delicately creamy sauce.
- Freshly Shred Your Parmesan: Block Parmesan melts smoother and gives a richer taste than pre-grated options; it truly makes this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta sing!
How to Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Take your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta over the top by showering it with a flurry of extra fresh Parmesan, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. Want to really impress? Add a drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of lemon zest for brightness.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a total star on its own, but it shines even brighter with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty gluten-free bread on the side. Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or simple sautéed spinach complete the meal while complementing the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For date night, twirl individual portions into elegant nests on shallow bowls and finish with sprigs of fresh herbs. Feeding a crowd? Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta family-style from a gorgeous platter alongside small bowls of extra toppings, inviting everyone to help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for future crave-worthy dinners! Spoon cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy—creamy sauces may need a gentle stir and a splash of cream or milk to restore their luscious texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. The microwave works too—just use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to keep the creamy sauce from separating.
FAQs
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Can I make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook everything as directed, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. If possible, slice the chicken just before serving for the juiciest results.
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How do I keep my sauce from getting too thick?
Always reserve some pasta water before draining! If your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta needs loosening, add the reserved water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta beautifully.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality dairy-free Parmesan and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream to achieve a luscious, flavorful sauce—your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta will still taste fantastic.
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely—penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente and reserve some pasta water for the sauce, no matter which noodle you choose!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to gather around the table with a big bowl of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta! It’s a recipe that brings together everything we love about comfort food and adds a sprinkle of joy to even the busiest days. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite—there’s just something magical about creamy pasta and golden chicken that’s simply irresistible.
PrintChicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious and creamy dish that combines tender seared chicken with a rich garlic parmesan sauce, served over gluten-free farfalle pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pasta:
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon dry shallots
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon gluten-free 1:1 flour
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz shredded parmesan
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, boil pasta according to the directions on the box for al dente.
- Season Chicken: Mix paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pound chicken, season both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil, then cook covered until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in the pan, add shallots, garlic powder, Italian seasoning. Stir in flour, then pour in broth and cream. Add parmesan, cook until creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, thinning with pasta water as needed. Slice chicken, add to pasta, and serve.
Notes
- If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Remember to salt pasta water before boiling.
- Remove chicken from heat at 165°F to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 413mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 137mg