Chicken pasta is one of those magical combinations that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy gathering with friends, these dishes bring comfort and flavor to the table.
I love how versatile chicken and pasta can be, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful meal.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously to blend the flavors.
- Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Toss in the spinach and cooked pasta, mixing until everything’s well coated.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine: This pasta pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts: I like to use boneless, skinless for easier cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This adds that signature spiciness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: It’s great for sautéing and adds flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a delicious aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: It creates a luscious, rich sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds depth and creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: I use these to taste, enhancing the flavor.
- Chopped parsley: I sprinkle this on top for a fresh touch.
- Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken.
- Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked fettuccine with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness!
Chicken and Spinach Pesto Pasta
This delightful dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty pesto for a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta (like penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté chicken for about 6-8 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in the basil pesto, mixing well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, combining everything thoroughly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken and Spinach Pesto Pasta!
Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta
Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that elevates the classic chicken pasta experience with zesty lemon and rich butter. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing everything together until well combined.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tomato Basil Chicken Penne
I love this Tomato Basil Chicken Penne recipe for its fresh flavors and vibrant colors. It’s an easy dish that brings a taste of summer to my table, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir in the chopped basil and oregano. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together. Add the sliced chicken on top, and stir gently to combine.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara
This Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara combines creamy goodness with savory mushrooms, making it a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until the mushrooms are tender, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine the hot pasta with the chicken and mushroom mixture in the pan, removing it from direct heat.
- Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: green onions or blue cheese for garnish
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Mix in the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce until well combined.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions or blue cheese if you like!
Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, loosely packed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Stir in the red onion and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Add cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Combine the cooked orzo with the chicken and veggies, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Crumble feta cheese over the pasta and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta!
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken, making it perfect for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, broccoli, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix everything until well combined, then transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delightful twist on the classic Alfredo dish!
Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta
Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta combines savory chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup honey mustard dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the honey mustard dressing and heavy cream to the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture, tossing well to coat.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt before serving.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Mix in the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese, tossing well to combine, and heat for a minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor.
Asian Sesame Chicken Noodles
I love how Asian Sesame Chicken Noodles blend savory flavors with comforting noodles, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rice noodles
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, adding the sliced chicken.
- Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink.
- Mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add the broccoli and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together.
- Serve the dish topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Conclusion
I hope you found some inspiration among these 12 chicken pasta recipes. Each one brings its own unique flavors and comfort to the table.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy spicy or fresh there’s a dish here that’s sure to please.
Cooking chicken pasta can be a fun and rewarding experience and I can’t wait for you to try these recipes.
They’re perfect for any occasion from a quick weeknight dinner to a gathering with friends. So grab your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes chicken pasta a versatile dish?
Chicken pasta is versatile because it can be combined with various ingredients, spices, and sauces, making it suitable for casual weeknight meals or special gatherings.
Its adaptability allows you to create numerous flavor profiles and textures, ensuring there’s a chicken pasta dish for every occasion.
What are the key ingredients in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
The key ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta include fettuccine, chicken breast, garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach. These ingredients blend together to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
How do you prepare Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
To prepare Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you boil fettuccine, season and sear chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, sauté garlic, and create a sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Finally, combine the pasta with the sauce and top with sliced chicken.
What makes Chicken and Spinach Pesto Pasta special?
Chicken and Spinach Pesto Pasta is special for its fresh, vibrant flavors derived from tender chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty basil pesto. This dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying meal in less time.
How do you make Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta?
Make Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta by cooking spaghetti, sautéing chicken breasts, adding garlic, and simmering with lemon juice and chicken broth. Mix in heavy cream before combining it with the pasta and serve topped with fresh parsley for a refreshing dish.
What ingredients are needed for Tomato Basil Chicken Penne?
Tomato Basil Chicken Penne requires penne pasta, chicken breasts, garlic, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is celebrated for its fresh flavors and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.
What are the steps to create Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara?
To create Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara, cook fettuccine or spaghetti, sauté chicken and mushrooms, and then prepare a creamy sauce by mixing eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Combine with the pasta, season, and garnish with parsley before serving.
What is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a tasty dish that combines elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, and Buffalo sauce with a creamy cheese sauce. It offers a spicy twist to traditional mac and cheese and can be garnished with green onions or blue cheese.
How do you prepare Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta?
Prepare Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta by sautéing diced chicken with seasonings, cooking orzo pasta, and adding a medley of vegetables like red onion, bell pepper, and spinach. Combine all together and top with crumbled feta cheese for a fresh dish.
What makes Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake a comfort food?
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is considered comfort food because it features creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This dish is ideal for family meals and gatherings, delivering a warm and delicious experience.