Let’s face it, chicken and pasta is the culinary equivalent of that reliable friend who always has your back. It’s the dynamic duo of the dinner table, the Bonnie and Clyde of comfort food (minus the whole crime spree thing).
But sometimes, even the most dependable dishes need a little spicing up. So, if you’re tired of the same old routine, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to unleash a couple of the best chicken pasta recipes that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Chicken Pasta Recipes
1. Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 200g of your choice of pasta
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Cooking Instructions:
Marinade:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step will flavor the oil with the garlic’s aroma.
Cooking Pasta:
- While preparing the chicken, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until it is soft.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. This ensures the pasta is ready to be combined with the sauce later.
Sauce:
- In the same skillet where you sautéed the garlic, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook them until both sides are golden and the chicken is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add more garlic if needed and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Stir and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This will create a rich and tangy cream sauce.
Combining:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves into the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. This step ensures all the flavors meld together.
Finishing:
- Serve the creamy lemon basil chicken pasta garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a fresh and flavorful touch to the dish.
2. Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Give beef a try with these ground beef dinner recipes.
Ingredients:
- 200g of your choice of pasta
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Marinade:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to season each chicken breast evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step will infuse the oil with the garlic’s flavor.
Cooking Pasta:
- While preparing the chicken, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until it is soft.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. This ensures the pasta is ready to be combined with the sauce later.
Chicken and Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet where you sautéed the garlic, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook them until both sides are golden and the chicken feels firm to the touch, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until tender and browned, which should take about 5 minutes. This step will bring out the rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms.
Combining:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sautéed mushrooms to the bowl.
- Toss everything quickly to combine, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated with the egg and cheese mixture. This step should be done quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Finishing:
- Serve the chicken and mushroom pasta garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. This adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
3. Chicken and Garlic Pasta
For a tasty salmon alternative, try these salmon pasta recipes.
Ingredients:
- 200g of your choice of pasta
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
Cooking Instructions:
Marinade:
- Each chicken breast has to be seasoned generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be ready in 1-2 minutes
- Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step allows the garlic’s flavor to merge into the oil.
Cooking Pasta:
- While preparing the chicken, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until it is soft.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. This ensures the pasta is ready to be combined with the other ingredients later.
Chicken Preparation:
- In the same skillet where you sautéed the garlic, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook them until both sides are golden and the chicken is completely cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice it into strips.
Combining:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and whole basil leaves. This mixture will create a colorful and flavorful base for your dish.
- Add the balsamic glaze and olive oil to the bowl.
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken with the glaze and oil. This step ensures all the ingredients are evenly mixed and flavorful.
Finishing:
- Serve the pasta dish garnished with extra fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Enjoy your delicious chicken and garlic pasta .
So there you have it, a collection of simple chicken pasta recipes to inspire your next meal. We hope these dishes have shown you the versatility of this classic combination, from creamy sauces to vibrant creations and everything in between. For delicious baked chicken tenderloin recipes, click here.
Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, there’s a chicken breast pasta recipe here to suit your needs. Enjoy exploring these flavors and creating your own variations on these timeless favorites.