Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary dining experience! This Farfalle Chicken Roasted Garlic pasta, inspired by the legendary Cheesecake Factory, is not just a meal—it's a creamy, flavor-packed adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender pasta embraced by a luxurious garlic-infused sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a hint of Parmesan that melts in your mouth. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup roasted garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- To roast garlic, cut the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- Cook farfalle pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, combine shredded chicken, roasted garlic, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously to blend flavors and create a creamy sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy flavors of roasted garlic and tender chicken.
Tips
- Roast the garlic in advance to save time and intensify its sweet, mellow flavor. You can roast a few heads and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor—pre-grated cheese often lacks the same depth and can be less creamy.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining! The starchy water helps create a silkier sauce and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- To ensure perfectly cooked pasta, always follow the al dente cooking time and taste-test a piece before draining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 625kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 145mg
