Entrée: Italy – Farfalle con Pollo e Aglio Arrostito (Bow-Tie Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Garlic)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
25 min
Cook
20 min
Total
40 min
Ingredients
12 oz / 340 g farfalle pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 lb total (454 g total)
1 whole head garlic
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 / 2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. **Roast the Garlic**: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins into a small bowl. Mash with a fork to form a paste.
2. **Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Chicken**: While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. **Make the Sauce**: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the mashed roasted garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
6. **Serve**: Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
