Chicken Pasta Recipes – Easy, Creamy & Delicious Ideas
If you’re searching for satisfying chicken pasta recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and ready in 30 minutes or less, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting yet healthy, these dishes deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. From creamy garlic Parmesan to zesty lemon spinach, each of these chicken pasta recipes is designed to impress—without the stress.
Let’s dive into five of the most popular, foolproof ways to turn simple ingredients into a weeknight win.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 250 g (8 oz) fettuccine or penne
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:

- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in cream, then stir in Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to the pan, toss in cooked pasta, and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
2. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients:
- 250 g (8 oz) linguine or spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:

- Cook pasta; drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked through. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and spinach until wilted.
- Toss in pasta, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Season to taste and garnish with fresh basil.
3. Pesto Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 250 g (8 oz) rotini or farfalle
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Fresh mozzarella (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, pesto, chicken, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Top with toasted nuts and extra mozzarella if desired.
- Serve warm or chilled—it’s delicious either way!
4. One-Pan Baked Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 250 g (8 oz) short pasta (like rigatoni)
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe dish, combine all ingredients (except mozzarella and parsley).
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir, top with mozzarella, and bake 5–10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
5. Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 250 g (8 oz) whole wheat or chickpea pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup (35 g) Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan, garlic, and spices until smooth.
- Cook pasta and steam broccoli.
- Mix sauce with hot pasta, then fold in chicken and broccoli.
- Serve immediately for a protein-rich, lighter take on classic Alfredo.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Chicken Pasta Recipes

- Meal prep friendly: All five recipes store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta—many corn, rice, or lentil-based options work great.
- Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-free option: Swap cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken in these recipes?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just shred or dice and add it at the end to warm through.
What’s the best pasta for chicken dishes?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold creamy sauces well, while long pastas like fettuccine pair beautifully with Alfredo or garlic-based sauces.
How do I keep chicken tender?
Avoid overcooking. Sear over medium heat and use a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C internal temperature is ideal). Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Ready to Whip Up Dinner in Minutes?
These chicken pasta recipes prove that fast doesn’t mean boring. With bold flavors, simple steps, and endless customization, they’re your new go-to for stress-free dinners.
For more easy, family-approved meals, explore 100+ delicious recipes on greenbeancasserolerecipe.com —your kitchen’s new best friend.
Recipe inspiration and nutrition tips adapted from trusted sources like EatRight.org
Tag us when you make one—we love seeing your creations!