Pasta with chicken is a classic comfort food, loved for its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these simple chicken pasta recipes will help you create delicious and satisfying meals in minutes. We'll cover everything from creamy sauces to light and bright options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
What are some easy chicken pasta recipes for beginners?
For beginners, the key is to choose recipes with minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. One-pot pasta recipes are particularly beginner-friendly, as they reduce cleanup time. Here's a simple example:
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta:
- Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape), 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions, adding chicken and garlic during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Drain excess water, leaving about 1/2 cup. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
This recipe requires minimal chopping and only one pot, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
What are some quick and easy chicken pasta recipes?
When time is of the essence, quick and easy recipes are crucial. These often rely on pre-cooked ingredients or shortcuts to minimize cooking time.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta (using jarred sauce):
- Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (any shape), 1 lb cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!), 1 jar (24-28 oz) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, combine tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Heat through and serve.
This recipe uses pre-cooked chicken and jarred sauce, significantly reducing prep and cook time.
What are some healthy chicken pasta recipes?
Healthy chicken pasta recipes focus on using whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables.
Chicken and Vegetable Pasta with Pesto:
- Ingredients: 1 lb whole wheat pasta, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or baked), 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade), salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, grill or bake chicken and steam or sauté broccoli florets. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. Toss with pesto, salt, and pepper.
This recipe incorporates vegetables for added nutrients and uses whole wheat pasta for a healthier carb source.
How can I make a creamy chicken pasta recipe?
Creamy chicken pasta recipes often rely on cream, cheese, or a combination of both to achieve their rich texture.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta:
- Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or penne), 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed), 1 lb cremini mushrooms (sliced), 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until softened. Add chicken and cook until browned. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
The combination of cream, mushrooms, and Parmesan creates a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Can I make a chicken pasta recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, slow cookers are perfect for creating flavorful and tender chicken pasta dishes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta:
This recipe requires pre-cooking the pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
This recipe requires pre-cooking the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
This provides a starting point; specific ingredient quantities and cooking times will vary based on your slow cooker's size and your desired consistency. Remember to always follow food safety guidelines when using a slow cooker.
These are just a few examples of simple chicken pasta recipes. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and sauces to create your own variations. Remember to adjust seasonings to your personal preference. Enjoy!
