Simple Chicken Pasta Recipes – Quick and Flavorful Meals

You can cook chicken pasta in under an hour with no fancy tools.

Use basic ingredients to avoid a long grocery list.

Add a splash of olive oil to keep the dish from sticking to the pan.

Skip the cream if you're watching calories – it's not needed.

The chicken should be fully cooked but not dry.

The pasta should be al dente, not overdone.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs

These are tender and juicy. Use chicken breasts if you prefer, but they can be drier.

8 oz (225g) spaghetti

Choose a pasta that holds sauce well. Penne or fusilli also work for texture.

2 tbsp olive oil

Use a light oil to avoid overpowering the dish. Can substitute with butter for a richer feel.

1 small onion, finely chopped

A red onion adds color and sharpness. Use shallots if you prefer a milder flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. Use garlic powder if you're in a rush.

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

Use low-sodium if possible. Water can work if you're short on broth.

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

This adds richness. Skip it for a lighter version, or use milk.

1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

Parmesan adds salt and depth. Use a nut-based cheese if you're dairy-free.

1 tsp dried basil

Fresh basil is better, but dried works in a pinch. Use oregano if you don't have it.

1/2 tsp salt

Use sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor. Adjust to taste.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground pepper enhances the dish. Use it sparingly.

1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs

Use panko for crunchier texture. Omit if you want a smoother sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce later.

2. Sauté the chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and nearly cooked through. This creates a nice crust.

3. Add the onion and garlic

Cook onion and garlic in the pan until soft but not browned. This adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.

4. Stir in the broth

Add chicken broth, stir well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This gives the chicken more flavor and moisture.

5. Add the cream and Parmesan

Pour in the cream and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Mix in the pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss until coated in the sauce. This ensures even flavor distribution.

7. Season and finish

Season with salt and pepper. Add basil and stir once more. This gives a fresh aroma to the dish.

8. Serve immediately

Serve the pasta while hot. It keeps better if not left too long. Enjoy it fresh for the best texture.

How to Store Chicken Pasta Recipes

Tips & Tricks

• Cook the pasta first, then set it aside. It avoids overcooking later.
• Use a nonstick pan to reduce oil and prevent sticking.
• Always taste the sauce before adding cheese. It avoids an overly salty meal.
• Don't skip the broth – it adds moisture and depth to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delicious Variations

• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
• Use spinach or broccoli for a lighter, healthier version.
• Add cooked mushrooms for more umami and texture.
• Use a spicy sauce with red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Save this recipe for a busy weeknight meal. It's simple enough for a beginner and satisfying enough for a family dinner.

Chicken Pasta Recipes

Looking for quick and flavorful chicken pasta meals? These recipes use everyday ingredients and deliver restaurant-style taste in minutes.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the pasta — Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce later.
2. 2Sauté the chicken — Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and nearly cooked through. This creates a nice crust.
3. 3Add the onion and garlic — Cook onion and garlic in the pan until soft but not browned. This adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.
4. 4Stir in the broth — Add chicken broth, stir well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This gives the chicken more flavor and moisture.
5. 5Add the cream and Parmesan — Pour in the cream and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6Mix in the pasta — Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss until coated in the sauce. This ensures even flavor distribution.
7. 7Season and finish — Season with salt and pepper. Add basil and stir once more. This gives a fresh aroma to the dish.
8. 8Serve immediately — Serve the pasta while hot. It keeps better if not left too long. Enjoy it fresh for the best texture.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: Use fresh herbs if possible. They give a more vibrant flavor than dried alternatives.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat