This luscious and easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, perfect for any night of the week.
My journey to this perfect Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta started on one of those Wednesdays where the day had been long, and my craving for pure comfort food was overwhelming. I wanted a rich, creamy pasta dish that felt truly indulgent, like something you’d find at a favorite Italian spot, but without the time and effort. I also needed it to be gluten-free, which can sometimes be a challenge with creamy sauces. I was determined to create something that didn’t feel like a compromise. Drawing inspiration from the classic cream sauces I’ve drooled over in magazines like Bon Appétit, I began experimenting. The result is this recipe—a simple, deeply satisfying meal that has become our family’s go-to for a special weeknight treat.
🟫 Why This Is So Good
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – The rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a truly luxurious dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
- Ready in About 30 Minutes – Despite its impressive flavor, this meal comes together surprisingly quickly, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight.
- Incredibly Creamy & Satisfying – The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan creates a sauce that is pure, soul-warming comfort in a bowl.
- Gluten-Free Friendly – Made with gluten-free pasta and flour, this recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy a decadent pasta night without worry.
The first time I served this, Mark was a little skeptical. He’s always been wary of gluten-free pasta, worried it will be gummy or fall apart. I watched as he took his first bite, the tender farfalle coated in that luscious sauce. His eyes widened. “Okay, this is amazing,” he admitted. “You wouldn’t even know it’s gluten-free.” That was the ultimate seal of approval. This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta proved that with the right technique, you never have to sacrifice flavor or texture. Learning the tricks to cooking gluten-free pasta perfectly was a total game-changer. For more advanced recipes, visit Bake Warely.
🟫 Getting Your Ingredients Right
- The Chicken: Using high-quality chicken makes all the difference. I love using Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast because it’s always so tender and juicy. The simple seasoning mix allows the quality of the meat to really shine.
- The Aromatics: For a deep, savory flavor, I use specific dried shallots and garlic powder. The Dry Shallots from OliveNation add a subtle, sweet oniony flavor that’s just perfect. (You can use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off!).
- The Olive Oil: A good olive oil is the foundation of any great pasta dish. Costabile Brand has a wonderful, smooth flavor that’s perfect for sautéing the chicken. (Their code 15GOLDENGK gets you 15% off too!).
- The Parmesan: Please, please, please shred your own Parmesan from a block! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into a smooth, velvety sauce. Freshly grated is a must for this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
🟫 Making It Step by Step
Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by preparing your pasta. Cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Just before draining, make sure to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water. While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously on all sides with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown, cooked through, and fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest before slicing.
Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dry shallots and Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute until the shallots are fragrant. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour, whisking it into the butter to create a quick roux. Cook for another minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth. This gentle heat is crucial for a perfect Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta sauce.
Bring It All Together
Once the cream is incorporated, gradually stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is velvety and luscious. Add the salt and the final teaspoon of garlic powder, stirring to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the cooked and drained pasta and the sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your incredible Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately.
🟫 Making Sure It Turns Out
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep the chicken juicy by cooking it until it just reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
- Low Heat for the Sauce: Once you add the cream and cheese, keep the heat on low. Boiling a cream sauce can cause it to separate or become grainy.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the gluten-free pasta, creating a much better texture.
My first time making a creamy gluten-free sauce was a bit of a disaster. I dumped the gluten-free flour into the butter all at once, and it instantly formed a stubborn, pasty clump. I couldn’t whisk it out! It taught me that a little patience goes a long way. Now, I always sprinkle the flour in slowly, whisking constantly, to create a smooth roux. This simple technique ensures a perfectly smooth and velvety sauce for my Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta every single time.
🟫 Perfect Serving Ideas
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is so rich and satisfying, it truly shines as the star of the meal. I love to serve it with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli would also be wonderful. And of course, some crusty gluten-free garlic bread is practically mandatory for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
🟫 Making It Different
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For some added veggies, wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes with the shallots. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You could also swap the chicken for sautéed shrimp or even some Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
🟫 Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cream sauces tend to thicken significantly when chilled. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
🟫 Tips That Actually Help
- Prep All Your Ingredients: This dish comes together quickly, so have your spices measured, cheese shredded, and ingredients ready to go before you start cooking.
- Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet gives you plenty of room to cook the chicken and toss the pasta without making a mess.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: This recipe makes a generous amount of sauce, which is perfect because the pasta will soak it up. Don’t be afraid to let your pasta swim in creamy goodness!
The biggest lesson I learned was the magic of the reserved pasta water, especially with gluten-free pasta. For a while, my cream sauces would feel a little thin or greasy. The moment I started adding a few tablespoons of that starchy, cloudy water, everything changed. It helps the fat from the cream and butter bind to the pasta, creating a sauce that’s perfectly emulsified and clings beautifully. It’s the professional touch that makes this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta taste so special.
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta has become our go-to recipe for when we need a dinner that feels like a special occasion but fits into a weeknight schedule. It’s a dish that guarantees clean plates and happy sighs all around the table. It’s proof that a comforting, elegant meal is always just a few simple steps away. I hope you love it as much as we do.
🟫 Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use regular pasta and flour? Yes, absolutely! If you’re not gluten-free, you can use regular farfalle pasta and all-purpose flour in the same quantities.
→ What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, but it won’t be quite as rich and thick. I wouldn’t recommend using regular milk, as it may curdle.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Of course. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time per side.
→ What can I substitute for dry shallots? You can use 1/4 cup of finely minced fresh shallots or a teaspoon of onion powder instead.
→ Why is my sauce not smooth? This can happen if the heat is too high when you add the cream and cheese, or if you use pre-shredded parmesan. Use low heat and shred your own cheese for the best results.
→ Is this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe good for meal prep? It’s best fresh, but it does make great leftovers! The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so just be prepared to loosen it with a little milk when reheating.
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Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, easy, and incredibly creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
→ For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 1 ½ lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast
- 2 tablespoon Costabile Brand Olive Oil (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon OliveNation Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
→ For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon Dry Shallots (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with paprika, oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Start Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add dry shallots and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook for another minute.
- Build Cream Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Combine: Slice the rested chicken. Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and ¼ cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always shred parmesan from a block.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Low Heat is Key: Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
