Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

By: Emily parker | Published onDecember 3, 2025

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that never fails to impress. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner with loved ones. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food, combining tender chicken, a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, and gluten-free farfalle pasta, making it especially appealing for those with dietary restrictions. When I first whipped this up in my kitchen, the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filled the air, inviting my family to the dinner table—a sure sign of a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of creamy pasta that not only tastes amazing but is also easy to make! This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is designed to become a staple in your household for several reasons:

Quick Preparation: With everything coming together in less than 30 minutes, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Kid-Approved: Kids love creamy sauces, and the flavors in this dish will have them coming back for seconds.
Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients based on your family’s tastes or dietary needs, ensuring that everyone enjoys it.

"This is hands down the best chicken pasta dish I’ve ever made. The sauce is incredibly creamy, and my kids couldn’t get enough!"

The Cooking Process Explained

Creating Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delightful journey that involves simple steps and elements. The cooking process is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying the delightful flavors of garlic and creamy sauce. Here’s how it all comes together:

Start with boiling the pasta until it’s al dente.
Season and sear the chicken until perfectly cooked.
Create a rich sauce with butter, garlic powder, shallots, and heavy cream.
Combine everything—tossing the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy sauce for a final mix.

Let’s break it down into the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to create this delicious meal.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to make your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

2 tbsp olive oil (Costabile Brand, use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
1 1/2 lb Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast
1 1/2 tsp paprika (OliveNation)
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder (OliveNation)
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
4 tbsp butter
2 tsp dry shallots (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
3 cups heavy cream
12 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pasta water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder

Feel free to swap out any ingredients as needed for personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, boil the gluten-free farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper together.
Pound the chicken breasts slightly to even out their thickness. Season both sides with the prepared spice mix.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
After searing, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, place it on a cutting board, and allow it to rest.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the dry shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring well for about a minute.
Incorporate the gluten-free flour, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until a smooth sauce forms.
Add the shredded Parmesan and stir until melted and combined.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adjusting the thickness with pasta water as needed.
Slice the chicken and add it to the pasta. Stir carefully to combine before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta like a pro, consider these creative plating ideas:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Add a Side Salad: Pair with a light Caesar or arugula salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
Serve with Garlic Bread: A slice of buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish. Just portion it out and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly:

Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor in the sauce.
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The more freshly shredded Parmesan you use, the creamier the sauce will become—always opt for fresh over pre-packaged!
Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and black pepper levels according to your taste preferences.

Creative Twists

Looking to customize your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta? Here are some variations:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your dishes.
Alternative Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp or grilled vegetables for a different spin.

Common Questions

Can I use regular pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses gluten-free farfalle, you can use any pasta you prefer if gluten is not a concern.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire dish comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan with vegan cheese.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Combine it with freshly cooked pasta and chicken when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How can I make this dish lower in calories?

You can reduce the amount of cream used and opt for leaner cuts of chicken or use a plant-based alternative to cut down on calories.