Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a hearty pasta dish filled with rich flavors, tender proteins, and delightful textures. Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is a dish that captures all these elements beautifully. This recipe brings together the unique shape of farfalle pasta, tender chicken, and the sweet, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into crafting this delicious pasta dish, providing you with detailed instructions, tips for perfection, and plenty of variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, entertain guests, or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Appeal of Farfalle Pasta

Farfalle, commonly known as bowtie pasta, is not just visually appealing; its unique shape helps capture sauces and ingredients wonderfully. This means each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The slightly chewy texture of farfalle makes it a perfect vehicle for creamy sauces, roasted garlic, and tender chicken, ensuring a satisfying meal.

Roasted Garlic: A Flavor Game-Changer

Roasting garlic transforms its pungent raw flavor into something sweet and nutty. This process mellows the garlic’s bite and brings out its natural sweetness, making it an essential component in this dish. The roasted garlic blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding depth and complexity.

A Complete Meal in One Dish

This dish is not just pasta; it’s a complete meal that combines protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one bowl. The chicken provides a lean protein source, while the garlic and any additional veggies you choose offer nutrition and vibrant flavors. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Roasted Garlic

The first step to making this delicious dish is to roast the garlic. Here’s how to do it perfectly:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep the Garlic: Take a whole head of garlic and slice off the top quarter of the bulbs to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
3. Roast: Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let it cool before squeezing the roasted garlic out of the skins.

2. Cooking the Farfalle Pasta

While the garlic is roasting, you can prepare the farfalle:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the farfalle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

3. Cooking the Chicken

Now, let’s cook the chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

4. Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now that you have your garlic and chicken ready, it’s time to make the sauce:

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Squeeze in the roasted garlic, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
2. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

5. Combining Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked farfalle into the skillet with the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is coated.
2. Add Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently in the heat of the pasta.
3. Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing to combine everything together.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta

One of the most common mistakes when cooking pasta is overcooking it. To achieve the perfect texture, cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

Use the Right Heat

When sautéing the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice golden color but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside is cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary throughout cooking.

Incorporate the Ingredients Gradually

When adding the pasta to the sauce, do so gradually. This allows you to control the consistency of the sauce and ensures that the pasta absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy.

Make it Your Own

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. Add veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition. You can also switch up the protein by using shrimp, sausage, or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas.

Suggested Side Dishes

To complement your Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic, consider serving these delicious side dishes:

Garlic Bread

Nothing pairs better with pasta than warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted seasonal vegetables can add color and a healthy element to your meal. Consider carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers tossed with olive oil and herbs.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare for such a delicious dish), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Airtight Container: Place the farfalle in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

1. Microwave: For quick reheating, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
2. Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is a dish that beautifully combines the unique shape of farfalle pasta with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and tender chicken. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. The combination of roasted garlic, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken is a timeless classic that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat farfalle instead of regular pasta?
   Absolutely! Whole wheat farfalle adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative to lighten it up.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine it with pasta right before serving.
5. What other proteins can I use in this recipe?
   Shrimp, turkey, or sausage would be excellent substitutes for chicken in this dish.
   Yield: 4

   Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic Recipe

   

   Print

   When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a hearty pasta dish filled with rich flavors, tender proteins, and delightful textures. Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is a dish that captures all these elements beautifully. This recipe brings together the unique shape of farfalle pasta, tender chicken, and the sweet, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 8 oz farfalle pasta
   • 2 tbsp olive oil
   • 4 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 head of garlic
   • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
   • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Roast the Garlic:
      Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
      Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins into a bowl and mash them into a paste.
      
   2. Cook the Pasta:
      Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
      
   3. Cook the Chicken:
      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
      
   4. Sauté the Vegetables:
      In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
      Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
      
   5. Combine the Ingredients:
      Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mashed roasted garlic, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
      Add the cooked chicken and cooked farfalle to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
      
   6. Serve:
      Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!

   Notes

   • Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative for a lower-calorie dish.
   • Add Vegetables: Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
   • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.