Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible weeknight dinner, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will quickly become your new favorite. Picture juicy, tender chicken nestled in a silky garlic parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly-cooked pasta—each bite is total comfort food bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has a purpose, from tender chicken to the parade of bold Italian seasonings and all that nutty parmesan. Here’s what turns simple components into irresistible comfort food:

• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, choose a good-quality olive oil to add depth and richness right from the start.
• Chicken breasts: Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts are super juicy; pounding them thin ensures they cook evenly and stay moist.
• Paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt: This blend creates a savory, robust chicken seasoning that packs every bite with flavor.
• Gluten free farfalle pasta: Farfalle’s shape holds onto the creamy sauce—plus, gluten-free means everyone can enjoy!
• Butter: For that essential lusciousness in the sauce; always use real butter for best flavor.
• Dry shallots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder: Shallots and Italian herbs provide subtle sweetness and aroma, while extra garlic powder boosts the overall savoriness.
• Chicken broth: Adds just enough savory backbone to the sauce and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
• Gluten free 1:1 flour: Thickens the sauce and ensures silky consistency without gluten.
• Heavy cream: The star of the show—gives the sauce that luxurious mouthfeel you crave.
• Shredded parmesan: Parmesan melts into the sauce for intense cheesy flavor—use freshly shredded if possible for best results.
• Pasta water: The secret to adjusting the sauce to the perfect silky texture right at the end!
• Extra salt and garlic powder: To finish and perfectly balance out the sauce before tossing everything together.

Variations

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to customize—switch up the proteins, toss in some veggies, or tweak the sauce to fit your cravings or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, turkey, or slices of browned sausage instead of chicken for fun flavor twists.
• Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and pop of color.
• Lighter Sauce Option: Substitute half-and-half for some (or all) of the heavy cream, or use a lower-fat milk to lighten things up while still keeping it creamy.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in a handful of mozzarella or romano cheese with the parmesan for an even richer, cheesier bite.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your farfalle pasta according to the box directions for al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water well—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself! Save 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining to help perfect your sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, whisk together paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Gently pound the chicken to even thickness, pat dry, and generously coat both sides with the seasoning mix. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side so it gets beautifully golden.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken is seared, lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it finish cooking for 10–12 minutes until the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear (165℉). Remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board to keep it juicy.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

To the same skillet, melt the butter (lower the heat if needed, so it doesn’t burn!). Stir in dry shallots, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let the aromatics sizzle for about 1 minute until fragrant, then sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir to coat, scraping up all the delicious bits from the pan.

Step 5: Simmer the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Turn the heat to medium and keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. Stir in the shredded parmesan and let it melt completely, stirring as needed for an ultra creamy, dreamy finish.

Step 6: Toss Together & Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Drizzle in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings perfectly to the noodles. Slice the rested chicken, nestle it into the pan, gently mix everything, and get ready for the magic moment—serving up your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of extra parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, and a few twists of cracked black pepper instantly lift your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta from homey to dinner-party worthy. For color and tang, try a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes or a few lemon zest curls just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlicky green beans. Warm, crusty bread (gluten-free, if needed!) is perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and fan the sliced chicken artfully on top, drizzle with extra sauce, and finish with a dramatic parmesan snow. For gatherings, serve family-style on a big platter so everyone can help themselves to generous, creamy forkfuls. Mini ramekins make adorable portions for a buffet or date night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making for a magical next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, though the sauce’s texture may change a bit when thawed. Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to smooth out the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cozy, restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort, give this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a spot in your rotation. I can’t wait for you to taste every creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying bite—don’t forget to make extra, because seconds (and thirds!) are a must. Happy cooking!

Print