When the crisp air of fall creeps in and golden leaves start to scatter across the yard, I find myself reaching for the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta is exactly that kind of dish. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, just like the comforting pasta plates I grew up with in my Tuscan home.
But my journey to this gluten-free version wasn’t always smooth. I trained with classic Italian chefs, cooking with wheat every day until chronic fatigue pushed me to search for answers. A diagnosis of gluten intolerance turned my world upside down. I had to give up the very food that was part of my identity, or so I thought.
Instead, I got to work recreating those traditional dishes with new ingredients and renewed purpose. That’s how this recipe was born: a vibrant, nourishing version of an Italian classic. It’s become a reader favorite and a staple in my own kitchen.
Whether you’re new to gluten-free living or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta hits all the right notes, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, tender gluten-free pasta, and the bold punch of garlic in every bite.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- whisk
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz gluten-free penne or spaghetti brown rice or quinoa-based recommended
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk or dairy-free alternative
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or lactose-free alternative
- salt to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish
Optional Toppings
- extra grated Parmesan
- gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond crackers for crunch
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Add 1 tbsp garlic in the last minute. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil or butter. Sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds. Add gluten-free flour and whisk to form a paste. Gradually add milk, whisking until sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
- Return pasta and chicken to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Let it warm through. Garnish with parsley and optional toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta
You don’t need anything fancy for this one, just real, wholesome ingredients that come together quickly.
For the pasta and chicken:
- 8 oz gluten-free penne or spaghetti (brown rice or quinoa-based pasta holds up well)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp paprika
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free if preferred)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or lactose-free alternative)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Optional topping:
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond crackers for crunch
Looking for more hearty chicken meals? You might also love my gluten-free chicken piccata with capers or this lemon herb skillet chicken, both naturally gluten-free and full of Italian flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for weeknight cooking.
1. Cook the gluten-free pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, but keep it just shy of al dente so it doesn’t overcook later. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic in the last minute for that wonderful aroma. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the creamy garlic sauce.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter. Sauté remaining garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and whisk to form a paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, bringing it to a light simmer. Let it thicken, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine and serve.
Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it warm through for a minute. Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan, parsley, or a crunchy gluten-free topping if desired.
Love creamy pasta dishes? Try my gluten-free mac and cheese with hidden veggies for a family-friendly twist.
Tips for Success
Choose a sturdy gluten-free pasta.
Some gluten-free pastas can turn mushy. Brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa blends work best in creamy dishes like this.
Don’t overcook the chicken.
Thin slices of chicken cook quickly, watch closely to keep it juicy.
Use fresh garlic and real Parmesan.
Jarred garlic and pre-grated cheese can affect flavor and texture. Fresh is best here.
Prep ahead.
You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store separately, then reheat and combine when ready.
Looking for more chicken dinner ideas? Check out my round-up of gluten-free chicken dinner recipes for more meal inspiration.
Variations You Can Try
Dairy-free version:
Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Spicy garlic chicken:
Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
Make it veggie-forward:
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrients.
Baked version:
Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs, then bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
You might also enjoy this easy pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes as another simple and satisfying gluten-free dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken, but it reheats beautifully.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freeze? This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and cooked chicken separately if you want to prep ahead.
Craving more comfort food? Try this cozy gluten-free casserole collection perfect for batch cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta is proof that going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up your favorite comfort foods. It’s rich, cheesy, and garlicky in the best way, everything a fall pasta dinner should be. I hope it brings the same joy to your table as it does to mine.
FAQ: Garlic Chicken Parmesan Gluten Free Pasta
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Just shred it and add it in after the sauce is made. It’s a great time-saver.
What’s the best gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Brown rice or quinoa-based pasta holds up best in creamy sauces.
Can I make this low-carb?
Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. The sauce still shines.
How do I make this nut-free?
Use seed-based or rice-based pasta and dairy or seed milk (like rice or oat).