Chicken and pasta are a dream team for busy home cooks. They come together so easily if you want a delicious and filling meal any night of the week. Here’s a list of the best chicken pasta recipes to try when you need something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying. You get so many different combinations for sauces, spices, and cravings!
1. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta You’ll Fall For
A dish so good anyone would want to marry the cook! This creamy bowl stars tender chicken thighs simmered in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The classic version uses farfalle, but honestly, any short pasta works if that’s what’s in your pantry. I recommend using silicone-tipped tongs to make it easier to toss everything together.
2. Cozy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a Kick
This chicken pasta starts off creamy and cozy, then finishes with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. The chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian herbs for that warm, savory flavor before being tossed in a rich chili cream sauce. Short pasta works best here since it holds onto the sauce in every bite. It’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want something comforting with a little excitement.
3. Restaurant-Style Chicken Penne a la Vodka at Home
Looking to impress your date without overthinking dinner? Chicken penne a la vodka is the perfect choice. Lean chicken breast is tossed in a silky tomato vodka sauce that tastes as if it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant. Penne pasta works especially well because the sauce fills each tube, so every bite is satisfying.
4. A Fresh Take on Classic Fettuccine Alfredo
In the mood for something bold and creamy? This is one of those chicken pasta recipes you can always count on. The fettuccine Alfredo is made with butter, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan cheese for a rich, smooth sauce. Lemon pepper Cajun chicken on top adds a bright, spicy kick that balances the creaminess. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will happily dig into.
5. Sweet, Savory, and Creamy Chicken Pasta for Entertaining
Here’s a chicken pasta recipe you’ll want to make whenever friends are coming over! It’s filled with roasted butternut squash and sun-dried tomatoes that bring sweet, savory depth to every bite. Italian-seasoned chicken ties everything together, especially when tossed with rigatoni that grabs all the sauce. It’s especially perfect around fall and winter when you want something cozy and colorful.
6. Creamy Chicken Lasagna You Can Prep Ahead
Lasagna is one of my favorite comfort meals! This version swaps in chicken and layers it with a velvety white sauce that turns irresistibly creamy once baked. It’s ideal for meal prep because the lasagna pasta stays firm and the sauce tastes even better the next day. It’s easy to reheat and enjoy anytime you want something warm and satisfying.
7. A One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe for Weeknights
One-pot pasta recipes are truly heaven-sent! This one’s perfect for busy nights, giving you all the flavors of chicken parmesan in a single, cozy pot. Everything simmers together, from the classic marinara sauce, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, and penne that cooks right in the sauce. It’s perfect anytime you’re craving chicken parm but want the convenience of a quick pasta dinner.
8. Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Chicken Caprese Pasta
Pesto and chicken are a classic combo for a reason. This dish brings together grilled chicken breast, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and plenty of basil for a fresh Caprese-style flavor. The best part is that it comes together in under an hour, making it feel impressive without the effort. It’s often called a summertime pasta, but honestly, this refreshing chicken pasta works any time of year.
9. Quick Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta for Busy Nights
This is one of those quick and easy chicken pasta recipes that saves you on busy days. Everything comes from basic pantry ingredients, so you don’t have to plan ahead or overthink it. You just cook the chicken breast, add the Roma tomatoes, toss in the rotini, and let it all simmer in a light, cozy sauce. It’s straightforward, comforting, and exactly what I reach for when I need a stress-free dinner.
10. Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta for the Whole Family
Searching for kid-approved chicken pasta recipes? This simple dish is the kind of creamy, cheesy goodness that even picky kids will love. The garlic sauce hugs every piece of farfalle pasta, making each bite extra cozy. It also pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad if you want to round out the meal.
Related: 21 Best Chicken Appetizers We Love The Most
11. A Flavor-Boosted Dijon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Dijon mustard gives chicken pasta recipes a big flavor boost. Its tangy, savory bite adds depth and makes the dish taste more impressive than the effort it takes. This version combines tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a rich yet fresh balance. It’s an easy way to upgrade a simple pasta night.
12. High-Protein Chicken Primavera Pasta with Bright Veggies
This pasta recipe is high in protein and keeps you full without weighing you down. Chicken breast is mixed with bowtie pasta, asparagus, leeks, artichokes, and peas for plenty of texture and color. The sauce is made by blending cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth, creating a light but creamy finish. It’s a delicious and nourishing option for lunch or dinner!
13. Hearty Chicken Bacon Pasta for Cozy Weekends
Chicken bacon pasta is the kind of dish you bring to potlucks or Sunday gatherings! It’s loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and fusilli pasta that holds onto the sauce so well. The creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce ties everything together into one cozy bowl. For this recipe, it’s best to use a deep skillet so the bacon stays crisp while mixing.
14. Cheesy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells That Steal the Show
This is a fun, slightly different pasta recipe for when you want more than a basic bowl of noodles. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with Cajun-seasoned chicken and broccoli, then baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce until the cheese melts all the way through. It’s a great choice when you’re craving a hearty, oven-baked dinner that really satisfies.
15. Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Burrata and Pine Nuts
A modern twist on classic chicken spaghetti. Cherry tomatoes are roasted with olive oil and garlic, then combined with paprika-seasoned chicken for a subtle smoky flavor. The spaghetti absorbs a bright lemon butter garlic sauce, giving every bite plenty of flavor. Burrata is torn over the warm pasta and finished with pine nuts for a creamy-crunchy contrast.
16. Cheesecake Factory-Inspired Chicken Farfalle
Inspired by the Cheesecake Factory favorite, this farfalle with chicken is pure comfort food. Bowtie pasta is mixed with tender chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, pancetta, peas, and caramelized onions, then coated in a creamy roasted garlic Parmesan sauce. The result is rich and flavorful, making it the kind of chicken pasta recipe you reach for when you want something indulgent but familiar.
17. Extra-Cheesy Chicken Mac Everyone Loves
Everyone’s favorite comfort food gets a fresh twist! This chicken mac and cheese is packed with three cheeses and tender chicken pieces, making it super creamy and filling. It uses classic elbow macaroni cooked just until tender, plus boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Once baked, it develops that irresistible golden cheese crust on top.
18. A Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe Anyone Can Make
If you’re craving something cozy for cold nights, chicken rigatoni in creamy tomato sauce might be all you need. Tomato paste and whipping cream come together to create a smooth, rich sauce. Thin slices of chicken breast cook quickly and stay tender when gently folded in with tongs. This is one of those chicken pasta recipes that’s especially friendly for beginner cooks.
Recipes: 17 Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes to Try This Week
19. Creamy Louisiana-Style Chicken Pasta for Sharing
Pasta bake is the definition of comfort food! If you love bold Cajun flavors, this dish will be right up your alley. Cajun-spiced chicken and veggies are folded into a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, then baked until everything is bubbling and lightly golden on top. I like using a ceramic baking dish because it keeps the pasta hot, even long after it comes out of the oven.
20. Mozzarella Chicken Pasta That Never Misses
Some homemade pasta dishes really do hit different. This one highlights juicy chicken and penne pasta wrapped in a creamy mozzarella sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes bring just enough punch to keep things interesting. It’s easily one of my go-to chicken pasta recipes when dinner needs to be quick and guaranteed to make everyone happy.
21. Quick Chicken Florentine Pasta That Feels Fancy
Chicken Florentine features tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce with simple, comforting flavors. In this pasta version, bowtie pasta is tossed in a smooth spinach cream sauce, then mixed with juicy chicken seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper from a pepper grinder. The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an easy chicken pasta recipe that works for busy weeknights but still feels special enough for a sit-down dinner.
22. Fresh Bruschetta Chicken Pasta with Bright Italian Flavor
Bruschetta isn’t just meant for crostini. This pasta brings together classic bruschetta flavors like juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, all tossed with pasta for something fresh and vibrant. Sautéed chicken breast adds protein without overpowering the tomatoes. Serve it with warm Italian bread on the side, and it feels instantly complete.
23. Bright and Zesty Chicken Pasta Recipes for Entertaining
An Italian-American pasta dish inspired by the famous shrimp scampi, this chicken version is just as satisfying. It’s perfect for dinners or celebrations when you want something elegant but low effort. A garlicky butter sauce made with white wine and lemon keeps everything bright and balanced. I recommend swirling the angel hair pasta with a carving fork to keep it airy and glossy.
Related: 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe
24. A Family-Friendly Chicken Pasta Classic
Simple but scrumptious, this chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta is comfort food done right. Juicy chicken breast and tender broccoli are tossed with fettuccine and coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite. The broccoli adds freshness and texture, balancing out the sauce so the dish feels indulgent but not overly heavy. It all comes together in one pan, making this an easy, reliable dinner that hits the spot every time.
25. An Easy Chicken Pasta Bake with Rotisserie Chicken
This baked pasta recipe uses rotisserie chicken, which makes it a super convenient shortcut for busy days. It cuts down on prep without sacrificing flavor. Baby spinach wilts right into the creamy sauce, while Monterey Jack cheese melts into a rich, comforting layer throughout. The spaghetti noodles bake together in a casserole until bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the slices hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
Chicken pasta recipes are never boring. This list shows just how many flavorful directions you can take this simple pairing. Whether you’re planning easy weeknight dinners or prepping meals ahead of time, these dishes keep things interesting without adding extra work. They encourage you to get creative with sauces, seasonings, and textures while keeping cooking simple and approachable.
