Why You’ll Love Savory Skillet Chicken Farfalle Recipe
This dish is the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. It’s made entirely in one skillet, cutting down on cleanup without sacrificing flavor. The farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta, holds the sauce beautifully, while the chicken adds protein to make it a complete meal. With a creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, this is a family-friendly recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast, boneless and skinless
olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
onion, diced
farfalle pasta
chicken broth
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Use different pasta: Penne or rotini work well if farfalle isn’t available.
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Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
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Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
What is farfalle pasta?
Farfalle is a type of pasta shaped like bow ties or butterflies. It holds sauces well and has a fun texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be added during the final steps to save time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s not gluten-free as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.
What kind of cream should I use?
Heavy cream is ideal for richness, but you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream if preferred.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks in the broth to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
What herbs go well with this recipe?
Italian seasoning works great, but you can also use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer after adding cream and cheese, or add a little more cheese to thicken.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, cook it ahead and reheat before serving. Add a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce during reheating.
Conclusion
Savory Skillet Chicken Farfalle is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a delicious dinner option that’s quick to make and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe offers an easy and flavorful solution to weeknight dinners.
Savory Skillet Chicken Farfalle
Savory Skillet Chicken Farfalle is a one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, farfalle pasta, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and quick to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and heat through the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Use penne or rotini if farfalle is unavailable.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or turkey for variation.
- Use plant-based cream and cheese for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
