Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and satisfying meal made with tender, seasoned chicken breast and gluten-free farfalle tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. With simple pantry ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta delivers everything you want in a family-friendly dinner.
It uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
The sauce is rich, garlicky, and packed with Parmesan flavor that coats every bite of pasta.
It feeds a crowd generously, making it ideal for family meals or meal prep.
It’s versatile enough to customize with vegetables, spice, or dairy-free swaps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
12 ounces gluten-free farfalle pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons dried shallots
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour
3 cups heavy cream
12 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet and allow to rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add dried shallots, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce.
Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the pasta. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: Approximately 521 kcal per serving
Variations
For a deeper flavor, substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
Add vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, mushrooms, or asparagus during the final minutes of cooking.
For a spicier version, stir in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
To create a dairy-free option, replace butter with plant-based butter, heavy cream with unsweetened dairy-free cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
For a different cheesy twist, substitute part of the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for extra melt and stretch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate once thawed.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular farfalle or any pasta shape you prefer. Cook it to al dente for the best texture.
What is the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Farfalle works beautifully because its ridges and folds hold onto the creamy sauce, but penne or fettuccine are also great options.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing helps retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it fully, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Cream sauces naturally thicken as they cool. Add reserved pasta water or a bit of broth to loosen it.
Can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded Parmesan and add it gradually over low heat to ensure smooth melting.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas blend perfectly into the creamy garlic sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a favorite among picky eaters.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that combines tender seasoned chicken with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights, satisfying enough for Sunday dinners, and versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences. With its rich flavor and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
