This simple chicken and farfalle pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The garlic, butter, and lemon truly do the heavy lifting, creating a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish.
FEATURED STANDOUTS
Chicken breast
Lean and versatile, chicken breast provides a substantial and tender protein base that perfectly complements the butter, wine and garlic. Its mild flavor allows it to absorb and enhance the surrounding ingredients.
Farfalle
Also known as “bow-tie pasta,” farfalle’s unique shape with its delicate “wings” is ideal for capturing and holding creamy or chunky sauces, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a non-negotiable for its deep, savory, and slightly salty umami notes. It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a luxurious creaminess and depth.
Basil
The vibrant green leaves of fresh basil provide a fragrant and peppery-sweet counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and chicken. It adds a much-needed burst of freshness and aromatic complexity.
Lemon
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a culinary secret weapon. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness, brightens all the flavors, and adds a refreshing tang that elevates the entire dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Simple Chicken and Farfalle
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
The starchy water left over from cooking pasta is liquid gold. It’s crucial for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency, helping it adhere to the pasta, and adding a subtle richness. Add it gradually until your sauce reaches your desired texture.
Sear chicken until golden for extra flavor
Don’t just cook your chicken; sear it! Achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken before adding it to the sauce develops a deeper, more complex flavor through the Maillard reaction. This adds a layer of savory deliciousness that simply boiling or baking won’t provide.
Finish sauce with butter and a splash of white wine for silkiness
For a truly restaurant-quality sauce, swirl in a knob of cold butter at the very end. This emulsifies into the sauce, making it incredibly silky and glossy. A splash of dry white wine, if desired, adds another layer of sophisticated flavor and acidity, deglazing any flavorful bits from the pan.
Toss pasta while still hot to ensure sauce coats evenly
Timing is everything. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce immediately after draining (or even directly from the pasta water, using tongs or a spider) while it’s still hot. The heat helps the pasta absorb the sauce more effectively, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal taste
Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can alter its texture and flavor. Invest in a block of good quality Parmesan and grate it yourself just before use. The difference in taste and meltability is remarkable.
Inclusive Adaptations
This Chicken Farfalle is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a variety of adaptations to suit different dietary needs and preferences without compromising on flavor:
Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for gluten sensitivities
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, readily available gluten-free farfalle pasta works wonderfully. Alternatively, for a lighter, grain-free option, consider spiralized zucchini or sweet potato “noodles.”
Swap chicken for cooked beans, lentils, or tofu for plant-based options
This dish can easily be transformed into a delicious plant-based meal. Substitute the chicken with protein-rich alternatives like cannellini beans, cooked green or brown lentils, or pan-fried or baked tofu cubes. Marinate the tofu for extra flavor.
Use dairy-free butter and Parmesan alternatives for lactose intolerance
Lactose-intolerant individuals can still enjoy a creamy and cheesy pasta experience. Opt for plant-based butter alternatives and dairy-free Parmesan substitutes, which have come a long way in replicating the taste and texture of their dairy counterparts.
Pre-chop ingredients or use kitchen tools for limited hand mobility
Cooking should be enjoyable for everyone. For those with limited hand mobility, pre-chopped vegetables and herbs are readily available at most grocery stores. Utilizing kitchen tools like food processors for chopping or jar openers can also significantly ease the preparation process.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
Southern Sweet Corn & Mussels
MAHI MAHI & MUSCLE SPAGHETTINI
Southern-Style Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
Dirty Rice Stuffed Onions
Cajun Chicken Quarters w/ Dirty Rice
Cajun Chicken + White Wine Cream Sauce+ Mushroom and Red Bean Rice
RECIPE
Garlic Chicken and Farfalle
Ingredients
Method
- Cook farfalle pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, sear the cubed chicken breast in a skillet with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Remove chicken from the pan. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the cooked farfalle pasta and toss to coat.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and basil.
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