10+ Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Chicken pasta recipes are a fantastic way to whip up a tasty, satisfying meal with very little hassle. There are so many versions out there that mix chicken, pasta, sauces, and veggies for all sorts of flavor combos.
These recipes are perfect for quick dinners and can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
If you’re after something creamy, spicy, or just fresh and bright, chicken pasta dishes have your back. Cooking chicken and pasta together saves time and gives you a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup—always a win.
This guide will help you explore some of the best chicken pasta recipes to try at home.
Ingredients
- Pasta (dried or fresh)
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Flour
- Cream or milk
- Italian seasoning or spices
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and seasonings, cook briefly.
- Stir in flour to make a roux if needed.
- Slowly add cream or milk, stirring to create sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce with chicken.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
1) Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
You can make a really simple, delicious chicken Alfredo pasta at home. This dish brings together tender chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy meal with family. The sauce is rich but not tricky—just cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter.
Adding pasta and chicken makes it hearty and filling. If you want to sneak in some veggies, toss in steamed broccoli or serve a light salad on the side.
It’s a balanced meal that feels a bit special, and you don’t have to work too hard for it.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup steamed broccoli
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken slices; cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm, adding broccoli if you like.
Try this creamy chicken Alfredo recipe for a comforting meal you’ll enjoy. For a detailed guide, see the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe from Allrecipes.
2) One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish uses just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. You cook seasoned chicken with pasta right in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
It’s a great choice for a simple weeknight meal or when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Add spinach or fresh basil for extra flavor and color.
The chicken turns golden while the sauce thickens around the pasta. You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cream (heavy or a lighter substitute)
- Spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot; sauté briefly.
- Pour in cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and cook until tender, stirring often.
- Return chicken to the pot and add spinach if using.
- Simmer until spinach wilts and chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
3) Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is one of those easy dishes you can throw together on a weeknight. The sauce is creamy but doesn’t need heavy cream—just Parmesan and garlic for a punch of flavor.
Start by cooking chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then make the sauce in the same pan with garlic, Parmesan, and pasta.
Everything comes together fast for a warm, comforting meal. If you want more details, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan).
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (any kind you like)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Slice chicken and add back to the pan. Heat until everything is warm.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
4) One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is surprisingly simple. It’s loaded with flavor and doesn’t take much effort.
Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes. The creamy sauce and Cajun spices pair perfectly with the chicken.
Add bell peppers or onions if you like a little crunch and want more veggies. It’s a solid choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting.
Season your chicken with Cajun spices, then cook it up. Add pasta, cream, and broth, and let it all cook together until the sauce thickens.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (penne or bow-tie)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add bell pepper and onion to the pot; sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add pasta and cooked chicken back to the pot.
- Simmer on medium-low, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.
For a detailed recipe, check One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
5) Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tuscan chicken pasta is a flavorful meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce.
The sauce is rich but not too heavy. You’ll cook the chicken first for a nice sear, then add pasta and a creamy parmesan sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of flavor, and spinach adds freshness and color. This dish makes a quick, satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- Penne pasta
- Fresh spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Heavy cream or cooking cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add cream and parmesan cheese; stir and simmer gently.
- Mix in spinach until wilted.
- Return chicken and pasta to the pan; toss to combine.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through. Serve warm.
You can find more details on making this dish at Simply Home Cooked’s Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.
6) Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is one of those pasta dishes that feels fancy but is actually really easy. You cook up tender chicken and crispy bacon, then toss them with pasta in a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese.
The flavor is rich and comforting, but somehow not too heavy. This dish comes together quickly and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The sauce is silky thanks to the eggs and cheese, coating every bite of pasta. If you ask me, the bacon’s crunch and smoky flavor make it even better.
Spaghetti or penne both work for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or penne
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon in a pan until crispy. Remove and chop.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and chicken until heated through.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and cream together.
- Toss pasta with chicken and bacon in the pan over low heat.
- Slowly pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
7) Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta comes together fast—usually in about 20 to 30 minutes. It calls for easy ingredients like garlic, lemon, butter, and a splash of white wine for a sauce that’s bright but not heavy.
Angel hair pasta cooks in a flash and soaks up all the flavor from the tender, golden chicken. You’ll sauté the chicken first, letting it get a little color, then build the sauce right in the same pan.
A squeeze of lemon at the end perks it up. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some parsley or a little grated cheese.
Want to switch things up? Throw in bell peppers or caramelized onions for more flavor and a pop of color.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook angel hair pasta according to the package; drain and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set chicken aside.
- Add the rest of the butter and garlic to the pan; cook for a minute until the garlic smells amazing.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat it with the sauce.
- Toss in the pasta, mixing well. Top with parsley if you like.
8) Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a one-pot wonder. You just need cooked chicken, mushrooms, garlic, and a creamy sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming.
Parmesan and herbs round out the flavors. This meal comes together quickly, which is a huge bonus on busy nights.
There’s a lovely balance between the mushrooms’ earthiness and the creamy sauce. If you want a little extra brightness, a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs does the trick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (crimini, button, or shiitake), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms soften.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the pasta and enough water to cover, then bring to a simmer.
- Pour in the cream and parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens and gets creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if you want a little zing.
- Top with fresh herbs before serving.
Check out this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta recipe if you want more details.
9) Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Spicy Tuscan chicken pasta is a real flavor bomb. You get Italian-seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
It’s quick to make, and you cook the chicken and pasta separately but bring it all together in one pan at the end. The creamy sauce hugs every piece of rigatoni—seriously satisfying if you like a little heat.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Take it out and set aside.
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for a minute.
- Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the chicken and toss it back in with the pasta. Mix it all up and heat through.
- Serve warm. Maybe add a little parmesan if you’re feeling it.
Want a full recipe? Here’s a great example.
10) Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce
Chicken penne with creamy sauce is one of those dinners you just want to dive into after a long day. The sauce is rich, thanks to cream, garlic, and cheese, but it doesn’t feel heavy.
Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring color and a little tang. You can make everything in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
The chicken gets a quick seasoning and cooks until it’s juicy and tender. Then you toss it all with penne and the creamy sauce for a meal that’s seriously comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
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Boil the penne pasta following the package instructions. Drain it when it’s done.
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Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. Pour a bit of oil into a pan and set it over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
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Drop the chicken in and cook it until it turns brown and isn’t pink inside—usually takes 6-8 minutes. Take the chicken out of the pan.
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Toss the garlic into the same pan. Let it cook for around a minute, just until it smells amazing.
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Pour in the cream and add Parmesan cheese. Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens up a bit.
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Throw in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and the chicken you set aside earlier.
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Add the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together and heat it through. Serve right away.
Need more inspiration? Take a look at this creamy chicken penne pasta recipe.