As a pasta lover, I’m always on the lookout for new and delicious ways to enjoy this classic dish. Chicken pasta is one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether I’m craving something creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies, there’s a chicken pasta recipe for every occasion.
In this post, I’m excited to share 11 favorite chicken pasta recipes that are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
1. Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick, 57 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (40 g) shallot, finely diced
- ¼ cup (27.5 g) sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (245 g) milk
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil to the chicken breasts to give them flavor.
- Put the chicken in an oven-safe skillet and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked..
- Take the chicken out of the oven and let it cool down. Then, cut it into small pieces..
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Save 1 cup of the pasta water before you drain the pasta.
- Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a big skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shallots and cook until they’re see-through. Then, add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, mix in the heavy cream, milk, and saved pasta water.
- Let it simmer. Finally, stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth..
- Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
- Put the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, and spinach into the sauce.
- Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach gets soft and wilted.
- Serve:
- Serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta hot, and if you like, add fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Softening Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Before making the sauce, boil the sun-dried tomatoes in water for 3 minutes to soften them. Then, drain the water, let them cool down, and chop them up.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add some of the saved pasta water to make it thinner.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 6 months. To eat it later, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Enjoy this delicious and creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
2. Lemon Garlic Chicken Spinach Fettuccine
This delightful dish features tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a zesty cream sauce, served over fettuccine. It’s quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 small/medium boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Avocado oil for sautéing
- 1 bunch scallions (1 cup chopped), both green and white parts
- 1/2 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp whole wheat flour
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 tsp white pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups fresh arugula, loosely packed
- Zest of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until the first side is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice it against the grain.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, if needed, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil along with the sliced cremini mushrooms and scallions. Cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the whole wheat flour, stirring for about 3 minutes. Gradually add the vegetable broth and half-and-half, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened and smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Seasoning: Stir in the arugula and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper, or adjust to taste. Add lemon zest for brightness.
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken, sautéed mushrooms and scallions, and cooked fettuccine to the sauce. Toss to combine, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese and lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy this zesty and creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Spinach Fettuccine! The sauce remains light, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
3. Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish, featuring orzo pasta, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz orzo pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mediterranean Salad
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let cool, then cut or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, grilled chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the dressing before grilling.
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Add a handful of arugula or mixed greens for extra texture.
- Drizzle with olive oil just before serving for an extra touch.
4. Mediterranean Chicken & Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad features tender chicken, roasted red peppers, tangy olives, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz short pasta (such as penne or bowtie), cooked al dente and rinsed with cold water
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, roasted red peppers, olives, tomatoes, walnuts, feta, oregano, and dill.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Season with salt.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in 2-3 Tbsp of the vinaigrette before assembling the salad.
- Substitute Kalamata olives with green olives for a milder taste.
- Add a handful of baby kale or mixed greens for extra nutrition.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra crumbled feta just before serving.
5. Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet
The Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich pesto sauce. The recipe begins by cooking seasoned diced chicken until golden brown, then sautéing onions and garlic in the same skillet.
After adding tomatoes, white wine, chicken broth, and cream, the gnocchi is stirred in, and the chicken is nestled back into the mixture before baking. Pesto is added during the baking process, along with optional mozzarella cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful dish.
Finished with fresh basil and pine nuts, this skillet meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.
6. One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
The One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The dish combines bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs, seasoned and browned in a skillet, with penne pasta cooked directly in the same pot.
After boiling the pasta, the cooked chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese are stirred in to create a flavorful sauce. Everything is heated through until slightly thickened, resulting in a delicious, comforting meal.
This one-pot recipe minimizes cleanup while delivering a satisfying dish the whole family will love.
7. Chicken Parm Pasta
The Chicken Parm Pasta combines the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan into a hearty pasta dish. Tender, breaded, and baked chicken is coated with a mix of panko and Parmesan, then baked until golden brown.
The cooked chicken is combined with al dente penne pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal. After transferring to a baking dish, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish is a satisfying and delicious option for any dinner table.
8. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
The Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe involves filling jumbo pasta shells with a creamy mixture of chicken, cheeses, and herbs. First, the chicken is combined with ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful filling.
Next, a rich Alfredo sauce is prepared using butter, flour, milk, cream, and garlic, which is then layered in a baking dish with the stuffed shells. After assembling the dish, it is baked until bubbly and golden, topped with additional cheese for extra richness.
This comforting meal is perfect for serving hot, with optional garnishing for added flavor.
9. Caprese Chicken Pasta
The Caprese Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines cooked pasta with tender chicken and fresh ingredients. First, the pasta is boiled until al dente, while the chicken is sautéed until golden and cooked through.
In the same skillet, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, basil, and garlic are cooked together to create a vibrant topping. The cooked pasta and chicken are then tossed with this mixture, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
This dish is best served hot, garnished with extra basil or cheese for added richness.
10. Chicken Marsala with Butter Parsley Noodles
The Chicken Marsala with Butter Parsley Noodles is a delicious and comforting dish featuring thinly pounded chicken cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce. The chicken is seasoned, dredged in flour, and sautéed until golden brown, then set aside.
In the same skillet, mushrooms and garlic are cooked before deglazing with Marsala wine, followed by adding chicken broth and heavy cream to create a creamy sauce. The chicken is returned to the skillet to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
Finally, egg noodles tossed in butter and parsley serve as a perfect base for the flavorful chicken and sauce, making for a satisfying meal.
11. Skillet Chicken Lasagna
Skillet Chicken Lasagna is a quick and hearty one-pan dish that combines bowtie pasta with seasoned chicken and a rich marinara sauce. First, the pasta is cooked and set aside while the chicken is sautéed with Italian seasoning until golden brown.
In the same skillet, onions and garlic are cooked before deglazing with chicken broth and adding marinara sauce for a flavorful base. The cooked pasta and chicken are tossed into the sauce, then topped with dollops of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
After baking until bubbly, the dish is garnished with fresh basil and served hot for a comforting meal.
