Chicken Pasta Recipes
Chicken Pasta Recipes with tender chicken and al dente noodles in a garlic butter sauce. Ready in 45 minutes for busy weeknights.
This dish uses basic pantry staples to make something better than takeout.
You cook the pasta while browning the chicken at the same time.
The result is a warm meal that comes together fast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) rotini pasta
Use any short shape like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cut them evenly so they cook at the same speed.
3 tbsp olive oil
Add more if your pan looks dry while cooking.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic works best but jarred is fine too.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that melt slower.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
3. Add garlic and cheese
Stir in minced garlic and cook for thirty seconds. Add cheese off the heat until melted.
4. Combine everything
Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce. Serve hot.
How to Store Chicken Pasta Recipes
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer
Freeze portions for up to two months without sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently on stove with a splash of water.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining it.
- Salt your water heavily before adding the noodles.
- Keep the chicken pieces small for even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes thaw it first or cook longer. Cut into smaller pieces if still frozen.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like rotini hold sauce well. Long pasta needs tossing to coat properly.
Q: How do I know when chicken is done?
It should be white inside and firm to touch. No pink spots should remain.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Cook components separately and combine when ready. Pasta absorbs sauce quickly so wait to mix.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
Skip chicken and add chickpeas or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Delicious Variations
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
- Add spinach leaves when tossing the pasta for color.
- Use lemon juice instead of salt for brightness.
Make this tonight and see how easy home cooking can be.
Chicken Pasta Recipes
Chicken Pasta Recipes with tender chicken and al dente noodles in a garlic butter sauce. Ready in 45 minutes for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rotini pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
📋 Instructions
- 1Boil the water — Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender.
- 2Cook the chicken — Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
- 3Add garlic and cheese — Stir in minced garlic and cook for thirty seconds. Add cheese off the heat until melted.
- 4Combine everything — Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce. Serve hot.
