When you think about quick and satisfying meals, chicken pasta often comes to mind. You can easily whip up dishes that balance flavor and comfort, perfect for any occasion. From creamy garlic sauces to zesty lemon basil combinations, there's a range of options to suit your palate. If you're craving something spicy or a hearty bake, those choices are just as enticing. Curious about which recipes can enhance your weeknight dinners and impress your guests? Let's investigate the top five chicken pasta recipes that will have you rethinking your meal plans.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a luscious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together fragrant garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs to create a comforting meal that your family will love.
With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the 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 per side or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for a nutritional boost.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Don't forget to reserve some pasta water; adding a splash to the sauce can help it cling better to the pasta!
Lemon Basil Chicken Fettuccine
Lemon Basil Chicken Fettuccine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh basil, zesty lemon, and creamy fettuccine for a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
This recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also brings a burst of flavor that will impress your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and aromatic ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Finally, add the cooked fettuccine, sliced chicken, and chopped basil to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Lemon Basil Chicken Fettuccine, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and basil for a couple of hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with a more robust lemony flavor.
Additionally, you can adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for a lighter or richer sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top before serving to add a delightful crunch.
Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience!
Spicy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata
Spicy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a fiery tomato sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. This dish, with its roots in Italian cuisine, features a perfect balance of spiciness and flavor, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The sauce, made with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh tomatoes, pairs beautifully with the succulent chicken and pasta, creating a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
Finally, toss in the cooked penne pasta and stir until everything is coated in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Spicy Chicken Penne Arrabbiata, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with extra zest.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Remember that this dish can be easily customized to suit your spice level and ingredient preferences!
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pasta, all baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, as it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you're ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy meal.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until all the ingredients are well-coated in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before mixing them into the pasta mixture. You can also customize this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost its nutritional value.
If you want a bit of crunch, top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before the final baking stage. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave, making this a great option for meal prep.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the savory flavors of grilled chicken and the aromatic taste of pesto. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a potluck, offering a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and easy to prepare.
With the vibrant colors and flavors, it's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (fusilli or penne works well)
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
- ½ cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of fresh basil pesto
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pine nuts for garnish
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Gently fold in the basil pesto until all the ingredients are well-coated. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix everything until evenly distributed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking.
You can also customize this salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even swapping out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream with the pesto.
Enjoy your delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad!