Table of Contents
introduction: Farfalle with Chicken
When you’re juggling a busy workday, the last thing you want is to spend hours preparing dinner. However, nothing beats the satisfaction of a comforting, homemade meal that hits all the right notes. Farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic is the perfect recipe to whip up on a weeknight. It’s quick, simple, and packed with rich flavors that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and veggies. Additionally, the roasted garlic enhances the flavor, turning it into an exceptionally satisfying meal. Let’s walk you through how to make this delicious dish and why it’s an ideal weeknight go to.
Why Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is Perfect for Weeknights
After a long day, you want a meal that’s both quick and comforting something you can prepare in less than 30 minutes without a complicated recipe. That’s where farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic comes in. This dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal:
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours to prepare this meal. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process is quick, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, hearty farfalle pasta, and sweet roasted garlic makes this a satisfying dish that you’ll love to come home to.
- Versatile: The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it. Add your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for another protein whatever works for your preferences.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber from the pasta, and the health benefits of roasted garlic, this meal is both nourishing and delicious.
Key Ingredients for Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic
Crafting a flavorful, satisfying meal starts with quality ingredients. Each component of this dish plays a role in creating its comforting, well-balanced profile. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and how each one contributes to the dish:
Farfalle Pasta (12 oz)
Also known as “bowtie pasta” thanks to its distinctive shape, farfalle is more than just attractive it’s practical. The ridges and pinched center are perfect for holding onto sauce, roasted garlic, and tender pieces of chicken, ensuring flavor in every bite. It also holds up well to tossing, making it ideal for hearty one pan dishes like this.
Substitute: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well too.
Chicken Breast (2 medium sized)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer lean protein, a subtle flavor, and a tender, satisfying texture. When pan seared until golden and sliced into strips, they add heartiness and balance to the pasta.
Tip: Pound the chicken slightly for even cooking.
Substitute: Chicken thighs for more flavor, or shrimp or tofu for a variation.
Whole Garlic Bulb (1 bulb)
Roasting garlic mellows its sharp, pungent bite, turning it into a sweet, buttery, and rich addition to the dish. It becomes soft enough to mash into a paste and infuse the entire dish with rich, caramelized flavor.
Tip: Use fresh, firm garlic bulbs for the best roasting results.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Used for roasting the garlic and searing the chicken, olive oil adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. A high quality extra virgin olive oil can bring subtle fruity or peppery notes.
Substitute: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if needed.
Salt and Pepper (To taste)
The foundation of good seasoning. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, while pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. Be sure to season both your pasta water and chicken for best results.
Fresh Herbs (Optional, 1 tbsp)
Chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley add a burst of color and freshness at the end. They provide a contrast to the richness of the roasted garlic and chicken, brightening the whole dish.
Tip: Add herbs just before serving to keep their bright flavor and vivid color intact.
Substitute: Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount by half.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Farfalle Pasta | 12 oz | The base of the dish, hearty texture |
| Chicken Breast | 2 medium-sized | Lean protein for the dish |
| Garlic (Whole Bulb) | 1 | Roasted for a sweet, savory flavor |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking and flavor |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning for balance |
| Fresh Herbs (Optional) | 1 tbsp | Optional, for fresh flavor |
Step by Step Recipe for Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dish.
Preheat the Oven for Roasting Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes until it becomes soft and caramelized. The sweet smell of roasted garlic will fill your kitchen, making it even more tempting to dive in.
Cook the Chicken
- While the garlic roasts, season two medium sized chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Then remove from heat, allow it to rest, and slice into thin strips.
Prepare the Farfalle
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook 12 oz of farfalle pasta according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set the pasta aside.
Assemble the Dish
- Once the garlic has finished roasting, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of the bulb and mash them into a paste.
- In the same pan you used for the chicken, sauté the mashed garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken slices to the pan, followed by the cooked farfalle. Toss everything together to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme if desired.
Tips for Customizing Your Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic
This recipe is highly versatile feel free to personalize it using these helpful tips:
Add Vegetables
- Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Sun dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy kick with sun dried tomatoes, which complement the richness of the garlic and chicken.
Swap Protein
- Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap chicken for shrimp. Just sauté them in the same pan for a few minutes until they turn pink.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use crispy tofu as your protein source.
Use Different Sauces
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: For a richer dish, mix in some Alfredo sauce to create a creamy, comforting pasta.
- Pesto Sauce: Add some basil pesto for a fresh, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and garlic.
Other Easy Weeknight Meal Ideas
If you’re looking for more quick and easy dinner ideas, here are a few more recipes to try:
One Pot Pasta Dishes
- Pasta Primavera: Another quick one pot dish that’s packed with colorful vegetables and a light sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta: If you’re a fan of garlic, this creamy pasta is another great option with minimal prep.
Sheet Pan Dinners
- Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies: Throw your chicken, potatoes, and vegetables on a sheet pan, season with olive oil and herbs, and roast. Simple, easy, and delicious.
Quick Stir Fries
- Stir-fry some chicken or tofu with your favorite vegetables and serve over rice for a healthy and fast dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use different types of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and garlic can be prepared in advance. You can roast the garlic earlier in the day and cook the chicken ahead of time, then simply combine everything when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic is the ideal weeknight meal simple, delicious, and quick to prepare. It delivers all the comfort of a homemade dish without requiring hours in the kitchen, making it a true lifesaver on busy evenings. The tender chicken, sweet roasted garlic, and perfectly cooked farfalle create a satisfying harmony of flavors that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
What truly sets this dish apart is its remarkable versatility. You can stick to the classic version or explore endless variations whether by swapping proteins, adding your favorite veggies, or experimenting with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo. It’s a recipe that grows with you and adapts to your pantry and preferences.
Even better, it’s a well balanced meal that checks all the boxes: it’s rich in lean protein, full of flavor, and comforting enough to make you forget how easy it was to make.
So the next time you’re short on time but craving something warm, wholesome, and truly satisfying, give this recipe a try. It might just become your new weeknight go to a meal you’ll look forward to again and again Farfalle with Chicken