Name: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast; 1 ½ teaspoons paprika; 1 ½ teaspoons oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons dry shallots; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour; 3 cups heavy cream; 12 oz shredded Parmesan; ¼ cup pasta water; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 30 reviews

If ever there were a pasta dish designed to win over both garlic lovers and comfort food fans, Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta might just be it. Tender, juicy seared chicken breast is nestled amongst perfectly al dente farfalle and coated in a luscious sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and velvety cream. With pantry staples and less than 30 minutes of hands-on cooking, this flavorful dinner is dreamy for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, delivering both restaurant-worthy flavor and cozy vibes. It’s a satisfying, golden, and gently herby meal that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is all about simple, honest ingredients with big personality. Every element in the lineup is there to add flavor, creaminess, or just a touch of color—nothing extra, nothing fussy. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Olive oil: The base for perfectly golden, juicy chicken and an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking in all those delicious spices and creamy sauce.
Paprika: Adds an earthy warmth and a subtle smoky hue to the chicken.
Oregano: A classic herb that brings a peppery, aromatic depth.
Garlic powder: Ensures every bite has a rich, savory pop of garlic flavor, even before the sauce comes in.
Thyme: Offers a gentle, woodsy note that’s right at home in creamy sauces.
Black pepper: Just enough bite to balance the creaminess.
Salt: The essential flavor enhancer—don’t skimp, but taste as you go.
Gluten free farfalle pasta: Those cute bowties hold onto the sauce beautifully and make every plate look a little more fun.
Butter: Brings creamy richness and helps meld all those aromatics in the sauce.
Dry shallots: Just a sprinkle for a sweet, mellow onion background.
Italian seasoning: A shorthand for herby goodness, tying everything together with ease.
Chicken broth: Adds savory body and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
Gluten Free 1:1 Flour: The speedy, fuss-free thickener to make your sauce silky without clumps.
Heavy cream: Because dreamy pasta sauce must be silky and spoon-coating!
Shredded parmesan: Salty, nutty, and the true star of that cheesy finish.
Pasta water: Magical for thinning your sauce just enough to perfectly coat the noodles.
Extra salt and garlic powder: To taste—layered seasoning means flavor in every bite.

How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your farfalle pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Remember, al dente pasta has just the right bite and soaks up the sauce perfectly without going mushy. Once cooked, reserve a splash of that starchy pasta water for later and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you work your magic on the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Grab your chicken breasts and give them a quick pounding with a mallet or rolling pin so they cook evenly (and quickly). Season both sides of the chicken with your fragrant spice blend, making sure every nook gets coated for max flavor.

Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for around 5 minutes, letting that golden crust form. Now, drop the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and finish cooking the chicken for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest—you want every juicy drop to stay inside!

Step 4: Build That Ultra-Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Keep the same skillet (no need to wash out the flavor!). Drop in your butter and let it melt gently, then sprinkle on the dry shallots, more garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let everything get aromatic and delicious for about one minute. Whisk in the gluten free flour, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the pan.

Step 5: Whisk, Whisk, and Make It Cheesy

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly to chase away lumps. As the sauce simmers, add the shredded parmesan, stirring until it’s completely melted and you’re left with a thick, shiny, cheesy sauce. If it gets too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water—a little at a time—until you reach the perfect, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Chicken Together

Add the drained farfalle right into the skillet and toss to coat every bowtie with that beautiful sauce. Slice your rested chicken breasts, layer them over the pasta, and give everything a gentle mix. One more taste for seasoning, and you’re ready to serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta to plenty of cheers.

How to Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

The final flourish can be as simple or as fancy as you like. I love a generous shower of extra parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for color, and maybe a twist of cracked black pepper. If you want to kick up the garlic, a few crispy garlic chips scattered over the top add crunch and fragrance.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette will lighten every forkful of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Fresh, warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are ideal for swooping up every bit of creamy sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are dinner favorites alongside this pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider piling the pasta into a big white serving bowl with the chicken fanned over the top, or plating individually with chicken medallions draped elegantly on each plate. Twirl the noodles into nests for an Instagram-worthy effect or serve in family-style baking dishes, letting everyone help themselves at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it rests, but the flavors get even cozier!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results—just know the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir brings it back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring in a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. For quick lunches, microwave individual servings in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work beautifully in Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta—use what you have on hand.

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

You can swap half and half for the heavy cream for a lighter (though less rich) sauce, or use a reduced-fat cheese. Sliced chicken thighs make it even juicier if you prefer dark meat.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure to cook just until the internal temp hits 165 degrees, then let your chicken rest before slicing. This locks in moisture and keeps every bite juicy in your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten free if you use gluten free pasta and 1:1 gluten free flour as suggested. It’s just as creamy and satisfying as the original.

I don’t have shallots—what can I use instead?

No worries! Swap in a pinch of finely minced onion, or skip them altogether if you want a simpler sauce. The garlic and Parmesan will still shine.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that turns any evening into something special with very little effort. I hope you feel just as excited to make (and devour) Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta as I am to share it. Grab those pantry staples, put on your favorite playlist, and let a big, cozy bowl of this pasta bring some cheesy, garlicky joy to your table tonight!