Name: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast; 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; 12 oz shredded parmesan; 1/4 cup pasta water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to comfort dish: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This creamy, flavor-packed pasta is everything you crave on a busy weeknight or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and seared, then nestled in gloriously silky parmesan sauce with a touch of garlic and Italian herbs—all hugging ribbons of gluten-free farfalle. Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl and one you’ll want to make again (and again!).

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta comes down to how just a handful of simple, quality ingredients transform into something extra special. Each one adds its own magic, whether it’s savory richness, creamy silkiness, or that irresistible cheesy tang.

Olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and adds delicious flavor depth—Costabile Brand is wonderfully fragrant!
Chicken breast: Springer Mountain Farms chicken turns out so juicy and tender; pounding it thin means every bite is perfectly cooked.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful blush to the chicken seasoning.
Oregano: A classic Italian herb for subtle earthiness and aromatic flair.
Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky punch in the seasoning as well as the sauce.
Thyme: Offers a soft herbal note that really pairs well with the chicken.
Black pepper: Brings a little zing to round out the flavors.
Salt: Don’t skimp—salt brightens and balances every other ingredient here.
Gluten free farfalle pasta: Holds onto all that luscious sauce in its curls and folds. Choose your favorite gluten free brand.
Butter: Starts your sauce off rich and silky, with plenty of buttery goodness.
Dry shallots: A sweet, subtle onion flavor that infuses the sauce, with none of the fuss of chopping fresh shallots.
Italian seasoning: Brings together various herbs for a true classic pasta taste.
Chicken broth: Builds savory intensity and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Gluten Free 1:1 Flour: Thickens your sauce just enough for the perfect coating power—no one will guess it’s gluten free.
Heavy cream: The key to a luxuriously creamy, dreamy sauce you’ll want to lick from the spoon.
Shredded parmesan: Nothing beats the salty, nutty punch of real parmesan for both flavor and melty texture.
Pasta water: Helps loosen your sauce for that gorgeously glossy, restaurant-style finish.

How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your gluten free farfalle according to the package directions for al dente. This gives you pasta that’s tender but still has a touch of bite, so it won’t get mushy when tossed with sauce later. Save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s texture!

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Blending your spices before seasoning ensures even flavor distribution, so every bite of chicken is fully covered with herbal, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Prep and Season the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them out until just a little thinner. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, locking in moisture. Then, generously coat both sides with your seasoning blend for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about five minutes on each side—don’t move them around too much! Letting the chicken sit ensures a delicious golden crust forms.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Once both sides are beautifully seared, flip the chicken, turn the heat down just a bit to medium-low, and pop a lid on the pan. Let the chicken cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Juicy chicken is the centerpiece of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, so don’t rush this step!

Step 6: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy. Then, slice it up into bite-sized strips or pieces, perfect for nestling into your pasta later.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Return the skillet (don’t clean it!) to the heat and melt the butter. Add the dry shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute to bloom their aromas. Next, sprinkle in the Gluten Free 1:1 Flour and give it a good stir, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken.

Step 8: Create the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Soon, you’ll have a smooth, rich, creamy sauce. Now, add the shredded parmesan and keep stirring until it’s fully melted into cheesy silkiness—the very heart of a great Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Step 9: Toss in the Pasta and Adjust

Add the cooked farfalle to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. If it gets a bit too thick, splash in reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the way you like it.

Step 10: Add the Chicken and Serve

Nestle the sliced chicken right into the creamy parmesan pasta, and gently fold everything together. Serve it up hot, and get ready for those first bites of garlicky, cheesy perfection!

How to Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is all about freshness and a little flair. Sprinkle with additional shredded parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or snipped chives for a burst of color and herby pop. A twist of black pepper or a few chili flakes adds a lovely little kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

While this pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it shines beside a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal veggies, or tender steamed broccoli. Don’t forget some gluten free garlic bread for soaking up all the extra, creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a dinner party? Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta in a big, family-style bowl, or twirl individual portions into nests on each plate for that restaurant feel. Want something unexpected? Spoon into ramekins, top with a sprinkle of parmesan, and broil for a crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a little extra? Let Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce does tend to thicken as it sits, but the flavors only deepen and get better with time.

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta if needed, though creamy sauces can change texture once thawed. For best results, let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Splash in a bit of extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and stir gently as it warms. This brings everything back to silky, saucy perfection!

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! If you don’t need a gluten free option, use your favorite regular farfalle or any short pasta shape. Cook just until al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

What’s the best way to pound chicken without making a mess?

Slip the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag before pounding. This keeps things tidy and prevents splatters, plus the chicken ends up more evenly thin.

Can I add vegetables to Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Definitely! Stir in fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms with the pasta for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce pairs wonderfully with so many veggies.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce tightens up too much, just whisk in reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until it reaches your ideal creaminess. Pasta water’s starch helps create that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Can I make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta dairy-free?

It’s trickier but possible: swap in a thick unsweetened oat or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use your favorite dairy-free parmesan alternative. The final sauce won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get plenty of comforting flavors!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a bowl of creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta—maybe it’s the golden chicken, the luxurious sauce, or just how easy it is to fall in love with every bite. Grab the ingredients and treat yourself and your favorite people to this feel-good classic tonight!