Chicken Pasta : Chicken pasta is a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners combining tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy or tomato-based sauce, and an assortment of herbs and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken pasta is a one-pan wonder that combines the protein-packed goodness of chicken with the carb-filled satisfaction of pasta. Whether you’re a fan of creamy Alfredo sauces or light tomato-based blends, chicken pasta can adapt to your taste buds. It’s also incredibly flexible, allowing you to incorporate seasonal veggies, various pasta shapes, and even unique spices to suit your culinary style.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta
- Long pastas like fettuccine or spaghetti pair well with creamy sauces.
- Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are great for chunky sauces.
Season the Chicken Properly
- A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika ensures flavorful chicken. For an extra kick, add cayenne or Italian seasoning.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality chicken and cheese make all the difference in flavor.
Balance the Sauce
- For creamy sauces, balance richness with acidity by adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine.
- For tomato-based sauces, a teaspoon of sugar can help reduce acidity.
Variations of Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- A classic recipe featuring a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Add Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and a touch of cream for a fiery Southern-inspired twist.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Toss cooked chicken and pasta with fresh basil pesto and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, summery dish.
Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
- Use a light marinara sauce, fresh basil, and grilled chicken for a simple, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
One-Pot Chicken Pasta
- Cook everything in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Chicken Pasta
- Substitute whole-grain or lentil pasta, add extra vegetables, and use grilled chicken for a healthier version.
How to Serve Chicken Pasta
- With Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
- With Wine: Pair creamy chicken pasta with a Chardonnay or tomato-based versions with a light red like Pinot Noir.
How to Store Chicken Pasta
Refrigeration
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Properly: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating creamy sauces to maintain texture.
Freezing
- Freeze for Later: Chicken pasta freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw Before Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Recipe FAQs
What chicken cut is best for chicken pasta?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner and quicker to cook.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
Can I make chicken pasta gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties made from rice, quinoa, or lentils.
What’s the best cheese for chicken pasta?
Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can also use Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or Gruyère for variation.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini are all excellent additions.
Chicken Pasta
Chicken Pasta : Chicken pasta is a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners combining tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy or tomato-based sauce, and an assortment of herbs and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 200g dried pasta (or 300g fresh pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 chicken breast (flattened; see below)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup cream
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 50g parmesan, finely grated
- Lemon zest & extra rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Boil your pasta in salted water, stopping a minute before it’s fully cooked. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness (around 1-1.5 cm). Use plastic wrap and a rolling pin for this step.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then lightly coat both sides with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Set aside, wrapped in foil.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently for 1 minute without browning.
- Stir in rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in cream and simmer gently (avoid boiling). Add parmesan in small batches, stirring until melted.
- Mix in black pepper and lemon juice, then add ¼ cup pasta water to thin and slightly thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or mix it through. Garnish with extra rosemary, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 806Total Fat: 55gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 189mgSodium: 570mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 35g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken pasta is a comforting classic that’s endlessly adaptable. With this guide, you’re equipped to whip up a delicious dish no matter your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving a creamy Alfredo for date night or a healthy veggie-packed version for the family, chicken pasta is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll thank you!
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
