5 Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Delving into the world of easy-to-make, delicious chicken pasta recipes can transform your weeknight dinners into something special. Chicken pasta dishes are not only comforting and hearty but also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless possibilities with flavors and ingredients. Whether you're looking for something quick for a busy evening or something a little more sophisticated for a weekend treat, there's a chicken pasta recipe out there for you.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

This dish is bright, tangy, and full of flavor, perfect for those who love a zesty kick in their meals.

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine works great)
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter option
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning the garlic.
4. Add chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, toss again.

🍋 Note: Adjust the amount of lemon to your taste. If you prefer a subtler flavor, reduce the amount of zest and juice.

2. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Rich, creamy, and packed with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is a comforting delight.

• 1 pound pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until done.
3. Add garlic, sauté for a minute, then mix in the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

🌞 Note: Sun-dried tomatoes can be intense. If you're not a fan of strong flavors, start with less and add to taste.

3. Pesto Chicken Pasta

This recipe brings a taste of summer to your table, with the fresh, vibrant flavors of basil and pine nuts.

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream or pasta water for consistency
• ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts, toasted
• Parmesan cheese for serving
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as per instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken slices until golden and cooked through.
3. Stir in pesto sauce, adjusting with cream or pasta water for desired thickness.
4. Add cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes, tossing everything to combine.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and toasted pine nuts on top.

🌱 Note: Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds if needed.

4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This classic recipe is a staple for its creamy, cheesy goodness that is loved by all ages.

• 1 pound fettuccine or linguine
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Nutmeg, a pinch (optional)
• Parsley for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until aromatic.
3. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until done.
4. Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg if using.
5. Toss drained pasta with the Alfredo sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

🍝 Note: For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream, and consider using less butter or replacing it with olive oil.

5. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe blends traditional pasta with the bold flavors of chipotle.

• 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup of your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to heat preference)
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Add tomato sauce and chopped chipotle peppers, stirring well.
4. Stir in heavy cream to create a creamy chipotle sauce.
5. Combine pasta with the sauce, ensuring an even coat.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

🌶 Note: The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chipotle peppers or even using their adobo sauce only for a milder heat.

As we've explored various chicken pasta recipes, it's clear how adaptable and satisfying these dishes can be. They cater to various tastes, from creamy to spicy, and can be prepared quickly for a weeknight meal. Incorporating different ingredients and techniques, these recipes offer a way to elevate your pasta game without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember, cooking is an art where you can experiment with flavors, textures, and spices to create dishes that not only nourish but also delight your palate.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these dishes can be made ahead. They tend to reheat well; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to Alfredo or pesto pasta to maintain creaminess.

What if I’m vegetarian?

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Feel free to replace the chicken with alternatives like tofu, chickpeas, or even a variety of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

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Absolutely, while the recipes suggest certain pasta shapes, feel free to use any type you have on hand. However, remember that the shape can affect how the sauce clings to the pasta. Thinner pastas might work well with lighter sauces, while chunkier shapes are great for hearty, chunky sauces.