Creamy Perfection: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Nostalgic Appeal

This pasta dish reminds me of those comforting family meals where a simple yet flavorful sauce transformed ordinary pasta into a special treat. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is both familiar and inviting, evoking feelings of warmth and satisfaction. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal with loved ones.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly use a pre-made sauce, there’s something truly special about making this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the chicken, preparing the sauce, and combining it all with the pasta is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and savory flavors with a hint of herbs and spices. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, adding a depth of flavor. The sauce is a creamy blend of butter, shallots, Italian seasoning, flour, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! We start with [Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast, known for its quality and flavor, seasoned with a blend of spices]. Then comes the [gluten-free farfalle pasta, cooked al dente for a perfect texture]. We also incorporate [olive oil, butter, dry shallots, and garlic, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the sauce]. The [heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adding richness and a creamy texture to the sauce]. The [Italian seasoning, herbs, and spices, enhancing the flavor with a savory touch]. And finally, the [pasta water, used to adjust the consistency of the sauce].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large pot for cooking the pasta, a large skillet for searing the chicken and making the sauce, a small bowl for the chicken seasonings, and measuring spoons.

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 cheese
• ¼ cup pasta water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil pasta according to the directions on the box for al dente.
2. Season the Chicken: Place all chicken seasonings into a small bowl and mix. Pound chicken down to thin out slightly. Then season the chicken on both sides with the seasoning mixture.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Cook the Chicken: Once both sides are seared, flip the chicken and lower the heat slightly to medium-low. Place a lid on the pan and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
5. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, add the dry shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and simmer for one minute. Next, add the flour and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk well until a smooth and creamy sauce has been formed.
6. Add Cheese and Pasta: Pour in the Parmesan cheese and stir together until completely melted. Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is met. Pour in the pasta and toss well to coat evenly. Add pasta water one tablespoon at a time to thin out the sauce as needed.
7. Slice and Serve: Once the pasta is coated in sauce, slice the chicken breast and add it to the pasta. Carefully stir, then serve!

Troubleshooting

• Pasta is mushy: Make sure you cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Avoid overcooking the pasta in the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more flour to thicken it.
• Sauce is too thick: Add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Tips and Variations

• Add different vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Use different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual dinner party, or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 1 1/2 cups. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-650
• Fat: Approximately 40-45g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 20-22g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 150-170mg
• Protein: Approximately 40-45g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
• Sodium: Approximately 800-900mg (may vary depending on the type of chicken broth and cheese used)

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of pasta), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A: It’s best to cook the pasta and make the sauce fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce a few hours ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta dish, as the texture of the pasta and sauce may be affected.

Q: Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free pasta?

A: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti