Are you a fan of quick, easy, and delicious meals? Look no further! Chicken pasta recipes are a staple in many households, and for good reason. They’re versatile, satisfying, and can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering chicken pasta recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic combinations like creamy garlic parmesan to bold flavors like spicy Cajun, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? Each recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time. So why wait? Dive into the world of chicken pasta and discover a whole new level of comfort food.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this comforting pasta dish, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with chicken and garlic.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Combine cooked pasta and chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Butter Chicken Spaghetti
Brighten up your mealtime with this creamy and citrusy Lemon Butter Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich lemon butter sauce come together in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir until combined.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti and chicken mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions; set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Add cooked pasta to the pot; toss until coated with sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Chicken Penne Bake
This Spinach and Chicken Penne Bake recipe combines the flavors of sautéed chicken, spinach, garlic, and penne pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper in olive oil until cooked through.
4. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
This recipe combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a warm pasta dish, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with olive oil until cooked through.
4. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes; cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine cooked pasta and tomato sauce mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped basil leaves (if desired).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A classic comfort food recipe that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy pasta sauce, all wrapped up in a deliciously cheesy package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups mixed broccoli florets
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine cooked chicken, pasta, and sauce in a large serving bowl. Top with grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken breast pieces over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add pesto sauce to the same skillet and stir to combine with any remaining juices.
4. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto-tomato mixture in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This recipe combines the bold flavors of cajun spices with the comfort of creamy pasta, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir to combine.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the chicken and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccine
A classic Italian-inspired dish, this recipe combines sautéed chicken and mushrooms with fettuccine pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and mushrooms in olive oil until cooked through.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
4. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked fettuccine with the sauce mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the simplicity of chicken and linguine, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this tasty meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 ounces linguine pasta
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
6. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter sauce.
7. Slice the chicken and serve on top of the linguine.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Chicken Carbonara with Bacon
This classic Italian dish gets a smoky twist with the addition of crispy bacon. A simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove from heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked bacon and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and toss until combined.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Chicken Ziti with Mozzarella
Baked Chicken Ziti with Mozzarella: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
This hearty dish combines tender chicken, flavorful ziti pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls
Elevate your lasagna game with these rolled-up masterpieces, packed with tender chicken, wilted spinach, and a rich cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup cream cheese softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, spinach, marinara sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Lay a cooked noodle flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture at one end.
5. Roll up the noodle, applying gentle pressure to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
6. Place rolled lasagna rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tomato Basil Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe combines the freshness of basil with the richness of tomato sauce and tender chicken, all wrapped up in a delicious spaghetti dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Tomato Basil Chicken Spaghetti is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed tomatoes (canned or fresh), crushed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until chicken is cooked through.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and basil to the skillet; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Serve chicken and tomato mixture over cooked spaghetti. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Bell Pepper Penne
This recipe is a flavorful and satisfying twist on traditional pasta dishes. Juicy chicken and tender bell peppers are perfectly balanced with a creamy sauce, all wrapped up in al dente penne.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked penne pasta, chicken, and bell pepper mixture with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
A delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the freshness of asparagus with the zest of herbs and the tenderness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add asparagus, garlic, thyme, and parsley to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until asparagus is tender.
4. Combine cooked pasta, chicken-asparagus mixture, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Olive Linguine
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the savory flavors of chicken, olives, garlic, and herbs with a light and zesty linguine. A perfect weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces linguine pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic, olives, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add white wine (if using) to the skillet and stir to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until liquid has reduced by half.
5. Combine cooked linguine with chicken and olive mixture. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Artichoke Pasta Bake
This comforting casserole combines juicy chicken, tender artichoke hearts, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. A perfect one-pot meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 8 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, artichoke hearts, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, Parmesan cheese, and basil in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 18 delicious and easy-to-make chicken pasta recipes! From creamy garlic parmesan to spicy Cajun, there’s something for everyone. Discover dishes like one-pot chicken alfredo, spinach and chicken penne bake, and cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a range of sauces, herbs, and spices, you’ll never get bored with these mouthwatering recipes. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the perfect combination of protein-packed chicken and al dente pasta!