Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Tender seared chicken, a rich, silky parmesan cream sauce, and bouncy gluten free farfalle come together in a dish bursting with cozy flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal. Every forkful is indulgent, aromatic, and unbelievably satisfying!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is short, sweet, and loaded with essential flavor. Each element plays a starring role—whether it’s the juicy chicken, the aromatic herbs, or the abundance of cheesy goodness, nothing here is extra and everything adds something special.

• Olive Oil: Use a robust, high-quality olive oil to build a flavorful base for searing the chicken and starting your sauce off right.
• Chicken Breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast—Springer Mountain Farms is extra tender, but any quality chicken will be delicious.
• Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt: This medley creates a simple but sensational seasoning that perfectly seasons and colors the chicken.
• Gluten Free Farfalle Pasta: Bowties work beautifully for capturing sauce, but feel free to swap in your favorite gluten free noodles.
• Butter: Adds richness and an irresistible silky finish to the cream sauce.
• Dry Shallots: These pack big flavor in a tiny spoonful, creating sweet, oniony notes in the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, rosemary, and oregano brings quintessential Italian flair.
• Chicken Broth: Lends savory depth, balancing out all that creamy goodness.
• Gluten Free 1:1 Flour: Thickens the sauce while keeping it celiac-safe.
• Heavy Cream: The star ingredient for that luscious texture—it’s non-negotiable for true decadence.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Melted directly into the sauce, parmesan gives this dish its signature savory personality.
• Pasta Water: Reserved starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency at the end.
• More Salt & Garlic Powder: For final seasoning, ensuring every layer pops with flavor.

Variations

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is endlessly customizable! Whether you want to lighten things up, add extra protein, or play with the spices, it’s easy to tailor this dish to your favorite ingredients or any dietary need.

• Swap the Protein: Use chopped rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted veggies for a delicious meatless twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute unsweetened cashew cream and your favorite vegan parmesan for a plant-based alternative—just add gradually for perfect texture.
• Add Greens: Toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli with the pasta for added color and nutrients.
• Pasta Variety: Try penne, rigatoni, or classic spaghetti if you’re not a fan of farfalle—any pasta shape that holds sauce will work.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gluten free farfalle and cook according to package directions for a perfectly springy, al dente bite—holding onto about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water before you drain. This water is your best friend for getting that sauce just right at the end!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, mix up paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Pound your chicken just enough to flatten for even cooking, then rub all sides with the seasoning mix. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium, then add the chicken and sear for about 5 minutes per side—be patient so you get that lovely color and caramelization!

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Once both sides are beautifully golden, flip the chicken, lower the heat to medium-low, and cover the pan. Let the chicken finish cooking gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This keeps it super juicy! Move the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest (don’t slice just yet—this keeps all that moisture locked in!).

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Keeping the skillet on medium-low, add butter and let it melt (lowering the heat prevents burning). Stir in dry shallots, extra garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute, then sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir, scraping up all those delicious browned bits—this is the foundation for a thick, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the shredded parmesan and watch as it melts into silky, cheesy perfection. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt or extra garlic as needed—it’s your sauce, so make it yours!

Step 6: Toss, Slice, and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing until every piece is blanketed in that irresistible sauce. Thin with extra pasta water if desired. Gather up your rested chicken breast, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces, and gently fold into the pasta. Give everything one last toss, and your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready—prepare for major swooning!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish transforms this dish from weeknight to wow-worthy! Shower your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with extra parmesan shavings, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, and a few turns of cracked black pepper. For extra zing, try a drizzle of good olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to shine solo, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlicky roasted broccoli, or classic garlic bread. If you’re entertaining, set out a platter of marinated olives or a simple antipasto board to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress things up by spooning the pasta into shallow bowls and arranging chicken slices on top, sprinkled with herby microgreens for freshness. For a cozy family-style vibe, serve straight from the skillet at the table—people love to help themselves to extra sauce! Mini cast iron pans or ramekins make adorable individual portions at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making a delicious next-day lunch or easy dinner!

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, keep in mind creamy sauces may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and pasta (without sauce) in separate containers, and prepare fresh sauce when ready to serve for that signature luscious consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, place pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or milk. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sauce smooths out and the chicken is heated through—this keeps everything creamy instead of dry or sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring everyone to the table with something truly special, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is that mouthwatering meal you’ll make again and again. I hope you’re as smitten with it as I am—bring your appetite, and enjoy every decadent, cheesy, satisfaction-packed bite!

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