Chicken pasta is one of the best comfort meals—creamy, cheesy, or spicy, it’s always flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, these chicken pasta recipes are easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Let’s dive into the best chicken pasta recipes you can make in under an hour! 🍽️✨
1. Why You’ll Love These Chicken Pasta Recipes
✔ Quick & Easy – Most are ready in 30 minutes or less!
✔ Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults.
✔ Versatile – Use grilled, shredded, or baked chicken.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prepping.
Now, let’s get cooking! 🍗🍝
2. Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta 🍜🧄
A creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish—perfect for any night!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken until golden brown (5-7 mins). Set aside.
3️⃣ Melt butter in the same pan, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
4️⃣ Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; let simmer.
5️⃣ Toss in pasta and cooked chicken. Stir well.
6️⃣ Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley.
🔥 Pro Tip: Add broccoli or spinach for extra veggies!
3. Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta 🌶️🍗
A bold, flavorful dish with a creamy, spicy kick!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook penne pasta, drain, and set aside.
2️⃣ Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook in butter until browned.
3️⃣ Add bell peppers, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
4️⃣ Pour in heavy cream and mozzarella; stir until creamy.
5️⃣ Toss in pasta, mix well, and serve hot!
🔥 Pro Tip: Add shrimp for extra flavor!
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 🧄🧀
A rich, garlicky, and cheesy pasta dish that’s super comforting!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook linguine pasta, drain, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook chicken in butter until golden brown, then remove.
3️⃣ In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
4️⃣ Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; let simmer.
5️⃣ Stir in Parmesan and black pepper.
6️⃣ Mix in chicken and pasta. Serve warm!
🔥 Pro Tip: Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!
5. Pesto Chicken Pasta 🌿🍗
A fresh and flavorful pasta with a nutty, herby pesto sauce!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook penne pasta, drain, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
3️⃣ Toss pasta with pesto sauce, Parmesan, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Stir in cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken.
5️⃣ Serve with extra Parmesan and basil.
🔥 Pro Tip: Add pine nuts or spinach for more flavor!
6. Chicken & Mushroom Pasta 🍄🍗
A rich and earthy dish with a creamy mushroom sauce!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook fettuccine pasta, drain, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook chicken in butter, then remove.
3️⃣ Sauté mushrooms and garlic in the same pan.
4️⃣ Pour in heavy cream, broth, and thyme; let simmer.
5️⃣ Stir in Parmesan, then add chicken and pasta.
6️⃣ Mix well and serve hot!
🔥 Pro Tip: Add spinach or peas for more greens!
7. Baked Chicken Pasta Casserole 🍗🧀
A cheesy, oven-baked dish that’s great for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked & shredded)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions:
1️⃣ Cook penne pasta, drain, and mix with marinara sauce.
2️⃣ Stir in shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.
3️⃣ Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
🔥 Pro Tip: Add pepperoni or olives for a pizza-like twist!
8. Conclusion: Best Chicken Pasta Recipes for Every Occasion!
These chicken pasta recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions! Whether you love creamy Alfredo, spicy Cajun, or fresh pesto, there’s a chicken pasta dish for everyone!
Quick Recap:
✔ Classic Alfredo – Creamy & cheesy.
✔ Cajun Chicken Pasta – Spicy & bold.
✔ Garlic Parmesan Pasta – Rich & comforting.
✔ Pesto Chicken Pasta – Fresh & herby.
✔ Chicken & Mushroom Pasta – Earthy & creamy.
✔ Baked Chicken Pasta – Cheesy & oven-baked.
FAQs
1. What’s the best pasta to use for chicken pasta dishes?
It depends on the recipe!
- Fettuccine or linguine – Best for creamy sauces like Alfredo or garlic Parmesan.
- Penne or rigatoni – Great for chunky sauces like pesto or Cajun.
- Spaghetti – Classic choice for tomato-based sauces.
- Farfalle (bowtie) or rotini – Ideal for pasta salads or casseroles.
2. How do I make my chicken pasta more flavorful?
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) for added depth.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine for extra flavor.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for the perfect finishing touch.
3. What’s the secret to making creamy chicken pasta?
- Use heavy cream for richness or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Don’t overcook the sauce—let it simmer gently to avoid separation.
- Stir in Parmesan or mozzarella cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
4. Can I make chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Cook pasta slightly underdone so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
- Store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
5. How can I make a healthier chicken pasta?
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
- Load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Choose grilled or baked chicken instead of fried.
6. What’s the best way to cook chicken for pasta?
- Pan-seared: Cook in olive oil until golden brown (best for creamy pasta).
- Grilled: Adds a smoky flavor, perfect for pesto or tomato-based sauces.
- Shredded: Great for baked casseroles or one-pot meals.
- Slow-cooked: Creates fall-apart tender chicken for pasta soups or sauces.
7. How do I prevent chicken from drying out in pasta?
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts (juicier!).
- Cook chicken just until it reaches 165°F (75°C), then let it rest before slicing.
- Add a little broth or butter if reheating to keep it moist.
8. What’s an easy one-pot chicken pasta recipe?
Try One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta:
- Sauté chicken and garlic in a large skillet.
- Add uncooked pasta, broth, and cream.
- Simmer until pasta is tender and sauce is thick.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
9. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for pasta?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut. Just:
- Shred the chicken and add it to creamy Alfredo, pesto, or baked pasta.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes for a fresh, light dish.
- Add it to soups or casseroles for easy meal prep.
10. What side dishes pair well with chicken pasta?
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up creamy sauces.
- Caesar salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to rich pasta.
- Roasted vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Bruschetta – A light, tomato-based appetizer to start the meal.