These Chicken Medallions with Farfalle Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dinner made with tender golden-brown chicken, perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
The chicken is quickly seared in butter and olive oil to create a beautiful golden crust, then the same pan is used to make a rich garlic cream sauce. Tossing the farfalle directly in the sauce allows every piece of pasta to become coated in creamy, cheesy flavor.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Cuisine | Italian-inspired |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough for a special family meal.
The chicken develops a delicious golden crust while remaining tender and juicy inside.
The garlic cream sauce is rich, smooth, and full of Parmesan flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.
Farfalle pasta is perfect for this sauce because its shape holds onto the creamy garlic mixture beautifully.
Everything is prepared in one main skillet after the pasta is cooked, which also helps build layers of flavor from the browned chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 600 g / 1.3 lb |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Farfalle pasta | 300 g / 10.5 oz |
| Salted water | For cooking |
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Fresh garlic, finely minced | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 250 ml / about 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 150 ml / about ⅔ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 60 g / about ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them until they are approximately 2 cm / ¾ inch thick.
Cut the chicken into medallion-sized pieces.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and encourages better browning.
Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Cook the Farfalle
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the farfalle and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter together with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the pan is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken medallions.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
4. Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic become dark brown because it can develop a bitter taste.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
These caramelized pieces add extra flavor to the sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should begin to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan while whisking continuously.
Continue stirring until the Parmesan has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped fresh parsley and stir.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
7. Add the Pasta
Add the cooked farfalle directly to the creamy garlic sauce.
Toss gently until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
Allow the pasta to simmer gently in the sauce for about 1–2 minutes so the flavors can come together.
8. Serve
Divide the creamy farfalle among serving plates.
Arrange the golden chicken medallions on top or alongside the pasta.
Spoon any remaining creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and pasta.
Finish with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Best Tips
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps create a better golden crust when searing.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches so each piece has enough space to brown properly.
Keep the heat moderate when cooking the garlic. Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter.
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible because it melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starch in the water can help loosen and emulsify the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Avoid boiling the cream sauce aggressively after adding Parmesan. Gentle heat helps maintain a smooth texture.
Serve the pasta immediately because creamy sauces naturally thicken as they cool.
Best Ingredient Options
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work particularly well, but boneless chicken thighs can also be used for a richer and juicier result.
For the cream, use heavy cream or full-fat cooking cream for the smoothest sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and melting texture.
Fresh garlic gives the sauce a much stronger flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Farfalle is ideal for this recipe, but penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine can also be used.
Recipe Variations
For a richer garlic flavor, add one additional minced garlic clove to the sauce.
For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
For extra vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers to the finished pasta.
For a lemon-garlic variation, add a small amount of fresh lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice just before serving.
For an extra cheesy version, add a small amount of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.
What to Serve With
Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans make excellent vegetable sides.
A small portion of garlic bread or crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions of pasta with a large fresh salad.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The chicken can be seasoned and prepared several hours before cooking.
The creamy sauce is best prepared shortly before serving because Parmesan-based cream sauces can thicken significantly when chilled.
If you need to prepare the entire dish in advance, store the chicken and pasta separately whenever possible and combine them during reheating.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Store the chicken and pasta together or separately depending on your preferred reheating method.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Stir frequently until the pasta and chicken are heated through.
Avoid very high heat because it can cause the cream sauce to separate.
Freezing
Cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh because freezing and thawing can slightly change the texture of the sauce.
If you choose to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 1–2 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a small amount of cream or broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken because this can cause the chicken to steam instead of developing a golden crust.
Avoid burning the garlic because burnt garlic can make the entire sauce taste bitter.
Do not add Parmesan over very high heat because the cheese can become grainy or separate.
Do not overcook the pasta. Cooking it until al dente gives it the best texture when combined with the sauce.
Avoid making the sauce excessively thick before adding the pasta. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
Do not leave the finished pasta sitting for too long before serving because the creamy sauce will continue to thicken.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary according to the exact ingredients and serving size.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 650–750 kcal |
| Protein | 45–50 g |
| Fat | 28–35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–65 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | 600–900 mg |
| Calcium | 250–350 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and will give the dish a slightly richer flavor.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, shells, or fettuccine can all work well with this creamy garlic sauce.
Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
Yes. You can use a lighter cooking cream, although the final sauce may be less rich and slightly thinner.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few additional minutes before adding the Parmesan. The cheese will also naturally help thicken the sauce.
Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?
The Parmesan may have been added over excessively high heat. Keep the heat low when incorporating the cheese and whisk continuously until smooth.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, peas, asparagus, and roasted bell peppers are all delicious additions.
How do I keep the pasta creamy when reheating?
Add a small splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream while reheating over low heat. Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth again.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Medallions and Farfalle Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting homemade dinner that combines tender golden chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich Parmesan-garlic cream sauce.
The entire dish comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it an excellent choice for both busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
Serve it immediately with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and your favorite vegetable side for a satisfying restaurant-style meal at home.