Creamy Chicken Farfalle Pasta (Gluten-Free)

This Creamy Chicken Farfalle Pasta is a hearty, indulgent dish I love making when I want something rich and comforting but still gluten-free. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken is seared and served over a bed of tender gluten-free farfalle, all coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a weeknight-friendly dinner that still feels like a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the flavor-packed chicken pairs so well with the creamy, cheesy pasta. The blend of herbs and garlic gives the chicken depth, and the sauce is smooth and luxurious without being too heavy. It’s also completely gluten-free, so I don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture. Best of all, I can make it all in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 ½ lb chicken breast (I use Springer Mountain Farms when I can)

• 1 ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon thyme

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta

• 4 tablespoon butter

• 2 teaspoon dry shallots

• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoon gluten-free 1:1 flour

• 3 cups heavy cream

• 12 oz shredded Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. I start by boiling the gluten-free farfalle according to the package directions for al dente. I reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. In a small bowl, I mix all the seasonings for the chicken—paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. I pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, then season both sides generously with the spice mix.

4. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, I sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side.

5. After both sides are seared, I flip the chicken again and lower the heat to medium-low. I cook until the chicken is fully done, then set it aside to rest before slicing.

6. In the same skillet, I melt the butter and add the dry shallots and Italian seasoning. I stir for a minute or two until fragrant.

7. I sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and whisk it into the butter mixture to form a roux.

8. I slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

9. I add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, I add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

10. I stir in the salt and extra garlic powder, then add the cooked farfalle to the sauce, tossing to coat.

11. I slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs if I want even juicier meat. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. When I want a little heat, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, though it does change the flavor slightly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir it every 30 seconds to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I make this with regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, I can easily use traditional farfalle if gluten isn’t a concern. Just cook according to the box directions.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. I sometimes use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I use a meat thermometer and make sure it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Letting it rest after cooking helps retain the juices.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, I slice or shred it and add it during the final steps to heat through.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t usually recommend freezing cream-based sauces because they can separate when thawed. But I’ve had decent results freezing just the chicken and making the sauce fresh later.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Farfalle Pasta is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something indulgent but still easy to put together. With bold flavors, a rich cheesy sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken, this dish always hits the spot. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again.