Chicken Pasta Recipes: 15 Easy Meals Your Family Will Love

If there’s one dinner that makes everyone at my table happy, it’s a big bowl of pasta with tender chicken in a sauce worth mopping up. Chicken pasta recipes are fast, filling and budget friendly, and they turn a few pantry basics into something that tastes like a night out.

I’ve gathered 15 of my favorite chicken pasta recipes, from creamy Tuscan chicken pasta and homemade Alfredo to a zesty lemon orzo and a spicy gochujang twist. Each one comes with a short ingredient list and simple steps, so you can pick one tonight and have dinner ready in about half an hour.

Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta Recipes

• Salt the pasta water well. It should taste lightly salty, like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Save the pasta water. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup. The starch in it helps sauces cling to the pasta and turns them silky.
• Cook pasta 1 minute short. It finishes cooking in the sauce and stays al dente instead of mushy.
• Cut chicken into even pieces. Same-size cubes cook at the same speed, so nothing dries out.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Pull it as soon as it hits 165°F (74°C). The FoodSafety.gov safe minimum internal temperature chart is a handy reference.
• Add cheese off the heat. Parmesan melts smoothly at lower heat and clumps when the sauce is boiling.

15 Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes

1. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan in a garlicky cream sauce. It’s the most requested of all the chicken pasta recipes in my house.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) penne
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped, 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tsp Italian seasoning

1. Cook the penne in salted water and save 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Season the chicken and brown it in a large skillet with a little oil from the tomatoes, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the cream, broth and Italian seasoning and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in the spinach, then the Parmesan off the heat. Toss with the pasta, loosening with pasta water.

Prefer hands-off? There’s a crockpot version in my slow cooker chicken recipes.

2. Homemade Chicken Alfredo

No list of chicken pasta recipes is complete without Alfredo. Once you make the sauce from scratch, you’ll never buy the jar again. It takes 10 minutes and only butter, cream, garlic and Parmesan.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, sliced thin
• 4 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic
• 1.5 cups heavy cream, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped parsley and black pepper

1. Cook the fettuccine and save some pasta water.
2. Sear the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the same pan, add the garlic for 30 seconds, then the cream. Simmer 4 minutes, whisk in the Parmesan off the heat, and toss with the pasta and chicken.

3. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine

A lighter, brighter option with no cream at all. Olive oil, lots of garlic, lemon and Parmesan come together with pasta water into a glossy sauce.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil, 6 cloves garlic, sliced, pinch of red pepper flakes
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, parsley

1. Cook the linguine and save 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the chicken in 1 tablespoon of the oil, then set aside.
3. Gently cook the garlic and pepper flakes in the remaining oil for 2 minutes. Add the pasta, chicken, lemon, Parmesan and enough pasta water to make it glossy.

If you love this garlicky flavor, try my 20-minute garlic butter chicken too.

4. Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you like spicy chicken pasta recipes, this is the one. Smoky Cajun chicken with peppers in a creamy sauce. It’s bold, comforting and ready in 30 minutes.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) penne
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper and 1 small onion, sliced, 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup Parmesan
• Sliced green onions

1. Cook the penne. Toss the chicken with half the Cajun seasoning and sear until cooked through.
2. Sauté the pepper, onion and garlic for 4 minutes. Add the cream, broth and remaining seasoning and simmer 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the Parmesan, chicken and pasta, and top with green onions.

5. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Fresh, herby and one of the quickest chicken pasta recipes here, on the table in 25 minutes. Store-bought pesto makes it extra easy.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) farfalle
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

1. Cook the farfalle and save some pasta water.
2. Sear the chicken until golden. Add the tomatoes for 2 minutes.
3. Off the heat, toss in the pasta, pesto and a splash of pasta water. Top with Parmesan and pine nuts.

6. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo

Orzo cooks right in the broth with the chicken, so it soaks up every bit of flavor. Finished with lemon, spinach, feta and dill.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 4

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 cup orzo, 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups spinach, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1 tbsp fresh dill

1. Brown the chicken in a deep skillet, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in the orzo and broth, cover and simmer 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender.
3. Stir in the lemon, spinach, feta and dill.

7. Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Crispy chicken, marinara and melted mozzarella over pasta: everything you love about chicken parm in an easier family dinner.

Time: 40 minutes | Get the chicken Parmesan pasta recipe

8. Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Pumpkin puree, garlic, sage and Parmesan make a silky, savory sauce that tastes like autumn. You’ll find the full recipe in my fall chicken recipes.

Time: 30 minutes

9. Baked Chicken Broccoli Ziti

Baked chicken pasta recipes are perfect for Sunday dinners. This bubbly, cheesy pasta bake’s great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Serves: 6

• 12 oz (340 g) ziti or penne
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped, 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 jar (15 oz / 425 g) Alfredo sauce or 2 cups homemade
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta 2 minutes short, adding the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Drain.
2. Mix the pasta, broccoli, chicken, sauce and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
3. Top with the remaining cheese and bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The viral favorite, turned into pasta. Unlike Tuscan chicken pasta, it skips the spinach and leans on paprika, chili flakes and herbs for a richer, slightly smoky sauce.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup broth, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fresh basil

1. Cook the rigatoni. Sear the seasoned chicken until golden and set aside.
2. Cook the garlic, tomatoes and spices for 1 minute, then add the cream and broth and simmer 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the Parmesan, chicken and pasta and finish with torn basil.

11. Chicken Carbonara

Classic Roman carbonara with crispy bacon, a silky egg and cheese sauce, and tender chicken for extra protein.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed, 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino, lots of black pepper

1. Cook the spaghetti and save 1 cup of pasta water. Whisk the eggs, yolks, cheese and pepper in a bowl.
2. Crisp the bacon, then cook the chicken in the bacon fat until done.
3. Take the pan off the heat, add the hot pasta, then quickly toss in the egg mixture with a splash of pasta water until creamy. The heat of the pasta cooks the eggs into a sauce.

12. Chicken Fajita Pasta

Two dinners in one: smoky fajita chicken and peppers in a creamy, cheesy pasta. A Tex-Mex twist kids love.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) penne
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, sliced, 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 2 bell peppers and 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack, cilantro

1. Cook the penne. Toss the chicken in the seasoning and sear until cooked.
2. Sauté the peppers and onion for 5 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cream and simmer 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cheese, chicken and pasta and top with cilantro.

13. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy homemade mac and cheese meets spicy buffalo chicken. Pure comfort food with a kick.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 6

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour, 2.5 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, green onions, ranch or blue cheese to drizzle

1. Cook the macaroni. Toss the chicken in the buffalo sauce.
2. Melt the butter, stir in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thick. Stir in the cheddar off the heat.
3. Fold in the pasta and buffalo chicken and finish with green onions and a ranch drizzle.

Love creamy mac? Don’t miss my Chick-fil-A style mac and cheese.

14. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Not all chicken pasta recipes have to be hot. This colorful pasta salad is perfect for lunch boxes, potlucks and meal prep.

Prep: 20 min | Chill: 30 min | Serves: 6

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/2 cup black olives, 1/4 red onion
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls, 3/4 cup Italian dressing, fresh basil

1. Cook the rotini, rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Toss with the chicken, vegetables, olives and mozzarella.
3. Add the dressing and basil and chill for at least 30 minutes.

15. Creamy Gochujang Chicken Pasta

A trendy Korean-Italian mash-up. Spicy, sweet gochujang melts into a buttery cream sauce for a pasta that’s seriously addictive.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp gochujang
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan
• Green onions and sesame seeds

1. Cook the rigatoni. Sear the chicken until cooked and set aside.
2. Melt the butter, cook the garlic for 30 seconds, then whisk in the gochujang and cream. Simmer 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the Parmesan, chicken and pasta and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Want more gochujang? Try my sticky chicken and gochujang over rice.

Best Pasta Shapes for Chicken Pasta Recipes

Sauce type	Best shapes	Why
Creamy (Alfredo, Tuscan, Cajun)	Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni	Wide or hollow shapes hold thick sauce
Light oil or lemon sauces	Linguine, spaghetti	Long strands coat evenly
Pesto	Farfalle, fusilli	Ridges and folds trap the pesto
Baked pasta	Ziti, penne, shells	Sturdy shapes hold up in the oven
Pasta salad	Rotini, bowtie	Grab dressing and stay firm when cold

Can You Make Chicken Pasta Recipes Ahead of Time?

Yes, most chicken pasta recipes prep ahead well with a little planning. Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to 2 days ahead, then boil fresh pasta and combine right before serving. Baked dishes like the chicken broccoli ziti can be assembled the night before and baked straight from the fridge (add 10 minutes). Pasta salad is actually better made a few hours ahead.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pasta

• Fridge: store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. They keep for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: tomato-based and baked chicken pasta freezes well for up to 3 months. Cream sauces can separate, so they’re best eaten fresh.
• Reheat: warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life, or in the microwave, stirring halfway, until steaming hot (165°F).

For more detail on leftovers, see the USDA’s leftovers and food safety guide.

Finished all these chicken pasta recipes and looking for something beyond pasta? Browse my full list of chicken dinner ideas, or switch things up with my steak and pasta recipe.

Chicken Pasta Recipes FAQ

What is the best pasta for chicken pasta recipes?

Penne and rigatoni are the most versatile because they hold creamy sauces well. Use fettuccine for Alfredo, linguine for lighter lemon or garlic sauces, and farfalle for pesto.

Should I cook the chicken or pasta first?

Start the pasta water first, since it takes the longest to boil. While it heats, prep and sear the chicken, then make the sauce in the same pan while the pasta cooks.

How do I keep chicken juicy in pasta?

Cut it into even pieces, sear it over medium-high heat without crowding the pan, and take it out as soon as it reaches 165°F. Add it back to the sauce at the end so it doesn’t overcook.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for almost all of these chicken pasta recipes. Skip the searing step and stir the shredded chicken into the sauce for the last 2 minutes.

How do I make creamy chicken pasta without heavy cream?

Many creamy chicken pasta recipes work with lighter swaps. Use half-and-half, whole milk thickened with a little flour, or cream cheese melted into broth. Plenty of starchy pasta water also adds creaminess.

Which chicken pasta recipes are healthiest?

The lemon garlic Parmesan linguine, chicken pesto pasta, lemon chicken orzo and Italian chicken pasta salad are the lightest. Use whole wheat pasta and add extra vegetables to boost the fiber.

Final Thoughts

These chicken pasta recipes prove that a cozy, restaurant-worthy dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Start with the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta or the homemade Alfredo, then work your way through the list on busy weeknights.

Which one are you making first? Let me know in the comments, and save this list of chicken pasta recipes to your Pinterest pasta board so you always have a dinner idea ready.