Chicken pasta is a versatile dish loved by millions for its comforting taste and delightful variety. From creamy sauces to spicy flavors, chicken pasta can be prepared in numerous ways, each promising a unique experience. In this article, we explore five delicious chicken pasta recipes that you simply must try. These recipes are not only easy to make but are also sure to impress your family and friends with their rich flavors and mouthwatering aromas.
Pasta Primavera with Grilled Chicken
Begin with an ode to the fresh vegetables of spring or summer. Pasta Primavera literally means ‘Spring Pasta’, and incorporating grilled chicken makes it a hearty meal.
- Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Preparation Steps:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Grill the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then add all the vegetables, cooking until they are tender yet still crisp.
- Combine the pasta with the vegetables, slice the grilled chicken into strips, and add to the mix. Toss well with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese.
🌱 Note: You can adapt this recipe to seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist each time.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
The classic Chicken Alfredo is a comfort food staple, offering a rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of savory from the parmesan cheese.
- Ingredients:
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Preparation Steps:
- Cook pasta to al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add chicken slices, cook until done, then remove and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add cream, parmesan, and heat until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce, add the chicken back in, and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan before serving.
Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata
For those who enjoy a little heat, Arrabbiata is Italian for ‘angry’ – and this pasta dish certainly lives up to its name with its spicy, flavorful tomato sauce.
- Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or rigatoni
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Fresh basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Preparation Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed, then drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté garlic until golden, then add red pepper flakes to bloom their flavor.
- Add the cubed chicken, cook until browned, then pour in the tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mix well, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
These delicious chicken pasta recipes offer a journey through taste and texture, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're in the mood for something light like Pasta Primavera or craving the luxurious feel of a Creamy Chicken Alfredo, there's something here for everyone. Each dish not only brings the comforting warmth of home cooking but also the excitement of exploring new flavors.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta with chicken is a simple yet flavorful choice, highlighting the vibrant taste of basil.
- Ingredients:
- Fusilli or rotini pasta
- 1⁄2 cup basil pesto
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⁄4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Preparation Steps:
- Cook pasta as instructed on the package. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until cooked. Slice into strips.
- In a pan, combine pesto and a splash of pasta water, heat gently. Add sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and chicken.
- Combine with pasta, adjusting consistency with additional pasta water if needed.
- Serve with slices of mozzarella on top.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
This recipe adds a zesty twist with lemon and garlic, creating a light and refreshing pasta dish.
- Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
- Preparation Steps:
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, add garlic, sauté until aromatic, then add chicken and cook.
- Add butter, lemon zest, and juice, stirring to create a sauce.
- Mix in the spaghetti, adjusting with pasta water for consistency, and season with red pepper flakes.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parsley before serving.
These pasta recipes celebrate the harmony of chicken and pasta in various delectable forms, offering a range from creamy to spicy, and from light to rich. They cater to different taste preferences while ensuring that the fundamental joy of pasta remains intact. These dishes can be your go-to for a quick weeknight meal or as showstoppers at your next dinner party.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in these recipes?
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Absolutely, pre-cooked or leftover chicken can be used. Just ensure it’s heated thoroughly to serve.
What type of pasta is best for creamy sauces?
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Fettuccine, linguine, or wide pasta shapes like penne work well to hold creamy sauces.
How can I adjust the spice level in Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata?
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Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes; less for mild, more for a hotter sauce. You can also add chili oil for extra heat.
Is there a vegan alternative for these recipes?
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Yes, you can substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken alternatives. Use vegan butter and cheeses where required.
