Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delectable creamy chicken pasta recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. From classic combinations like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to bold and spicy options like Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, there’s something for every palate.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting, cheesy dish like Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake or a light and refreshing pasta salad like BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? Each recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in the rich flavors of these creamy chicken pasta recipes!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken pieces with garlic until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and combined with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
5. Add cooked fettuccine pasta and chicken mixture to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat evenly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Brighten up your pasta night with this creamy, citrusy, and utterly delicious dish! This Lemon Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a twist on the classic Italian favorite, featuring tender chicken, flavorful lemon butter sauce, and al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add garlic and lemon juice to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A spicy twist on classic pasta dishes, this recipe combines the bold flavors of cajun seasoning with juicy chicken and tender noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or linguine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with sauce until well coated.
6. Add chicken back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken Pasta
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish that combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthiness of spinach and the savory taste of chicken. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until wilted.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the spinach mixture.
6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken-spinach mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Thyme Chicken Pasta
This comforting pasta dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant thyme in a creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken-mushroom mixture, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
This recipe combines the flavors of creamy pesto sauce with juicy chicken and tender penne pasta, making for a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the creamy pesto sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until coated with the creamy pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake packed with chicken, broccoli, and a hint of garlic – perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add broccoli and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and broccoli in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rotini)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy sauce forms.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sauce in the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of Italy with a creamy, comforting sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and garlic to skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with sauce.
6. Toss cooked pasta with chicken and sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. This creamy, spicy dish is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their comfort food routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and blue cheese until melted. Add hot sauce and chicken; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese mixture. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional cheddar cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of bacon, the tanginess of ranch dressing, and the tenderness of chicken. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add chicken to the same skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside with bacon.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in ranch dressing and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly.
6. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon in the skillet. Toss to coat with the ranch sauce.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Pasta
This rich and flavorful pasta dish combines sautéed chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped up with al dente pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).
3. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start browning (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Stir in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until wilted.
6. Combine cooked pasta and creamy sauce. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine
Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with lemon-garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked linguine, reserved pasta water, and chicken mixture in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this recipe combines the flavors of BBQ chicken with tangy veggies and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for potlucks or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked pasta (such as bow tie or penne)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, feta cheese (if using), and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Pour over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on pasta cooking time)
Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet
This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of chicken fajitas with the comfort of pasta, all in a quick and easy skillet dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and add onion, garlic, bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with vegetable mixture. Return chicken to the skillet; stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with desired optional ingredients.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
This creamy pasta dish combines the rich flavors of garlic butter with succulent chicken and shrimp, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine or linguine)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in heavy cream and parsley. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss with pasta, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this rich and creamy pasta dish, featuring the subtle flavors of avocado and chicken. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with salt, pepper, basil, and garlic powder over medium-high heat until cooked through.
3. Add diced avocado to the skillet and stir until slightly softened.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
A flavorful and healthy pasta dish that combines the richness of chicken with the freshness of asparagus and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-6 minutes).
3. Add asparagus to the pan with chicken and cook until tender (about 4-5 minutes). Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large serving bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken-asparagus mixture, and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. Top with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy pasta dishes with our collection of 18 mouth-watering chicken pasta recipes! From classic comfort foods like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake, to spicy twists like Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta and Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, there’s something for everyone. Try Lemon Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a bright and citrusy take on the classic dish, or go wild with Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken Pasta. Whatever your taste buds desire, we’ve got you covered with these delightful recipes.