Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe because it combines everything I crave in a comforting meal—succulent chicken, a creamy garlicky sauce, and the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta. This dish always feels like a special treat, yet it’s so simple to throw together on a busy weeknight or serve to friends during a casual dinner. Every bite bursts with the richness of Parmesan and just the right touch of herbs, making it one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something delicious and fuss-free.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

What really draws me to this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is the incredible flavor combination. The way the garlic and Italian seasonings blend into a creamy Parmesan sauce creates this luxuriously rich taste that still feels balanced and approachable. The paprika and thyme on the chicken add a subtle warmth, making each forkful full of depth without overpowering you. I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to feel so indulgent.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how easy it is to make without sacrificing flavor. The steps flow naturally—searing the chicken to lock in juices, simmering the sauce just right, and tossing it all with pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether that’s a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. I love that it stands out on the table but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, which makes it a winner to me every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe relies on straightforward, essential ingredients that each play a key role in delivering rich flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color.

• Olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken and adding a light fruitiness to the dish.
• Chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the seasonings and stays tender.
• Paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and salt: These spices build the aromatic, layered seasoning blend that makes the chicken irresistible.
• Gluten-free farfalle pasta: Its bow-tie shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly for every bite.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the sauce base.
• Dry shallots: Bring a sweet onion flavor that deepens the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that infuses the sauce with warmth and fragrance.
• Chicken broth: Provides savory depth to the creamy sauce without heaviness.
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour: Acts as a thickener to create that luscious, silky sauce texture.
• Heavy cream: The key to the creamy, dreamy consistency that coats the pasta.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that ties the whole dish together.
• Pasta water: Helps thin and smooth the sauce to just the right consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Start by boiling the gluten-free farfalle pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining, as this will help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, mix together the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This blend will season your chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to even out their thickness, which helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy.

Step 4: Generously season both sides of the chicken with your spice blend. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor.

Step 5: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 6: Sear the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side, developing a golden crust that locks in moisture.

Step 7: After searing, flip the chicken again and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Step 8: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board to rest.

Step 9: Add butter to the now-empty skillet and allow it to melt completely over medium heat.

Step 10: Stir in the dry shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then simmer for about one minute to release their aromas.

Step 11: Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir continuously, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits and thicken the sauce base.

Step 12: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, whisking nonstop until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 13: Fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 14: Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred thickness.

Step 15: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss well to coat every piece evenly.

Step 16: To achieve the perfect consistency, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the sauce loosens just enough.

Step 17: Slice the rested chicken breasts and gently fold them into the pasta and sauce mixture.

Step 18: Give everything one final careful stir, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe yields about 10 generous servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. Prep time clocks in around 10 minutes, mostly for seasoning and pounding the chicken, with a cook time of about 20 minutes to handle searing, simmering the sauce, and cooking the pasta. All together, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to table, making it a speedy option for satisfying a crowd. No extra resting or cooling time is needed beyond letting the chicken rest briefly after cooking for the best texture.

How to Serve This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

I usually like to serve this dish hot and fresh because that’s when the creamy sauce is at its most luscious and the chicken is tender and juicy. A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a punch of color and a bright herbal note that lifts the flavors beautifully. I often add a little extra Parmesan on top too, because you can never have too much cheesy goodness.

For sides, I find a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness and adding freshness to the plate. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement this dish nicely, giving it a well-rounded feel without competing with the bold flavors.

When it comes to drinks, I love a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay to contrast the creamy sauce. If wine isn’t your thing, a sparkling water with a twist of citrus or a light herbal iced tea keeps the palate refreshed. This dish works great for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining, making it versatile enough to enjoy on many occasions.

Variations

I often experiment with this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, swapping the chicken breast with juicy shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms can give the dish a delightful twist. If you want a little kick, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add warmth and complexity.

If gluten-free is a concern, I stick to gluten-free pasta and flour as in this recipe, but for a dairy-free version, substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a vegan Parmesan alternative works surprisingly well. You can even try using cashew cream for a nutty depth while keeping it plant-based. Just a heads up, the richness will differ, but the result remains creamy and satisfying.

For a quicker approach, I sometimes bake the seasoned chicken breasts in the oven instead of skillet-searing, which frees up stovetop space. Also, using different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can change the texture experience but hold on to that sauce beautifully. Each variation feels like a new take on the classic dinner I love.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers to maintain freshness and avoid any lingering flavors. Make sure the dish is cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation buildup which could affect texture.

Freezing

This pasta freezes reasonably well if stored properly. I like to transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing much of the sauce’s creaminess or chicken’s flavor. I do notice the texture of farfalle might soften a bit after thawing, so it still tastes great but is best enjoyed reheated carefully.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to dry out. Taking your time with gentle reheating preserves that velvety texture I love so much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully because of its shape, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure to cook pasta to al dente so it holds up well tossed in the creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, by replacing the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and swapping heavy cream and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives, you can create a vegan-friendly version. Using vegan cheese and coconut or cashew cream works well here.

How can I make this pasta recipe spicier?

If you enjoy heat, adding red pepper flakes during the sauce stage or using a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning will give your dish an exciting kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and refrigerate them. When your guests arrive, simply reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta for a quick finish that feels freshly made.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?

I recommend using freshly shredded Parmesan rather than pre-grated powder because it melts smoother and offers a richer, fresher flavor that really elevates the sauce’s creaminess and depth.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting dinners that just brings joy with every bite. It’s easy enough to prepare any night of the week yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation just like it has in mine!

Print