This guide shows you how to make delicious and easy chicken pasta recipes. We’ll cover different types of pasta, ways to cook chicken, and simple sauces. We’ll explain cooking terms and show you how to make each recipe.
Picking the Perfect Pasta
Pasta Shapes and Sauces
Different pasta shapes go well with different sauces. Long, thin pasta like spaghetti works great with simple tomato sauces. Short pasta like penne holds chunky sauces well. Spiral pasta, like rotini, is good for catching creamy or pesto sauces.
Spaghetti and thin noodles
These are great for light sauces that coat the noodles easily.
Penne and other short pasta
These hold thicker sauces and work well with meatballs or vegetables.
Rotini and other spiral pasta
These noodles grab onto chunky sauces and bits of food.
Types of Pasta
You can find pasta made from different things. Regular pasta is usually made from wheat. There’s also gluten-free pasta, which is made from other grains or beans. Gluten-free pasta cooks a little differently, so check the package instructions.
Cooking Pasta Perfectly
Always cook pasta according to the package directions. Don’t overcook it, or it will be mushy. Pasta should be cooked “al dente,” which means it’s firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well before adding it to your sauce.
Cooking Chicken for Your Pasta
Boiling Chicken
To boil chicken, put it in a pot with water. Add some salt and pepper. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes for smaller pieces. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Baking Chicken
Baking chicken is easy. Season it with herbs and spices. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 165°F (74°C). Baking time depends on the size of your chicken pieces.
Pan-Frying Chicken
Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side. Again, use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Shredding Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to mix into your pasta sauce.
Tips for Juicy Chicken
Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken is dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the right temperature. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding. This helps it retain its juices.
Easy Chicken Pasta Sauces
Creamy Chicken Pasta Sauces
Creamy sauces are simple to make. For a basic creamy sauce, heat some milk or cream in a pan. Add a little flour to thicken it. Stir until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic powder. You can add cheese for extra flavor.
Tomato-Based Chicken Pasta Sauces
Tomato sauces are easy too! Start with canned crushed tomatoes. Simmer them with some herbs like oregano or basil. Add garlic for extra flavor. A little sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Sauces
This is the easiest sauce! Melt butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss this sauce with your cooked pasta and chicken. You can add some lemon juice for a zesty touch.
Adjusting Your Sauce
Remember to taste your sauce as you make it. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs until it tastes just right. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer. Experiment with different seasonings!
Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Milk or Cream | 1/2 cup | For creamy sauces |
| Flour | 1 tablespoon | To thicken creamy sauces |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 can | For tomato sauces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced, for flavor |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | For garlic butter sauce |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Season to your liking |
| Herbs (Oregano, Basil) | 1 teaspoon | Enhance tomato sauces |
Gathering Your Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Pasta
This section lists the main ingredients you’ll need: chicken, pasta, and sauce ingredients. We’ll also discuss choosing good quality ingredients.
You need chicken. Choose chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. For pasta, pick your favorite shape. Spaghetti, penne, or rotini all work well.
Sauce ingredients depend on your sauce choice. For creamy sauces, you’ll need milk or cream. Tomato-based sauces need canned crushed tomatoes. Garlic butter sauce, of course, needs butter and garlic. All sauces benefit from seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs. Consider adding herbs like oregano or basil to tomato sauces for extra flavor.
Ingredient Quality Matters
Buying good ingredients makes a big difference in the taste of your chicken pasta. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken. Look for pasta that’s firm and doesn’t crumble easily. Use good quality canned tomatoes, and fresh garlic when possible. The better the ingredients, the better your dish will taste.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Sauce. In the same pan, add minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for one minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 5: Combine Everything. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy tomato chicken pasta!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Melt the butter: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about one minute, or until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the pan. Toss gently to coat everything with the garlic butter.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice if you like a little extra zing.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic; it will become bitter.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pasta (any shape)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Cook chicken until done. Cut into small pieces.
- Cook Vegetables: Cook broccoli and carrots until tender-crisp.
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a pan. Add garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in milk and cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add chicken and vegetables to the sauce. Stir.
- Add Pasta: Add cooked pasta and stir to coat everything.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Use your favorite vegetables.
- Add other cheeses for different flavors.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
Adding Vegetables to Your Chicken Pasta
Choosing Your Vegetables
Many vegetables go well with chicken pasta. Broccoli, peas, and spinach are popular choices. You can use others too, like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Cooking Times
Different vegetables need different cooking times. Harder vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, need longer. Softer vegetables, like spinach and peas, cook faster.
Adding Vegetables to Your Sauce
Add harder vegetables to your sauce earlier. For example, add broccoli or carrots about 10 minutes before the sauce is done. Add softer vegetables, like spinach or peas, near the end. This helps them keep their color and texture. Don’t overcook them!
Cooking Vegetables Separately
You can also cook vegetables separately and add them to the pasta at the end. This works well if you want to keep the vegetables crisp. Steam or boil them until they are tender-crisp.
Vegetable Variety
Experiment with different vegetables! Try a mix of colors and textures to make your chicken pasta more interesting.
Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 12 ounces pasta penne, spaghetti, or rotini
Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter Sauce (Alternative)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and cook chicken breasts until browned and cooked through. Let cool and shred.
- For Creamy Tomato Sauce: In the same pan, cook garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine.
- For Garlic Butter Option: Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, toss pasta and chicken in garlic butter, season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are a bit more moist. Choose what you prefer!
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Spaghetti, penne, rotini, and many other shapes are great choices. The best shape depends on the sauce you’re using. Long noodles work well with thinner sauces, while short pasta is better for thicker or chunkier sauces.
How do I make sure my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Don’t rely on just looking at the color; this is the only way to be sure.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. Taste and adjust as needed.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Many vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, carrots, and bell peppers, taste great in chicken pasta. Add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process, and softer ones towards the end to prevent overcooking.
Enjoy Your Chicken Pasta!
Your Delicious Chicken Pasta Awaits
This guide showed you how to make tasty and easy chicken pasta dishes. You learned about different pasta shapes, ways to cook chicken perfectly, and simple sauces to create. Remember those tips for juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta? Put them to use!
Experiment and Have Fun!
Making chicken pasta is all about having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. The more you experiment, the better you’ll become at creating your own delicious variations. There’s no wrong way to make it your own!
Keep Cooking!
This guide gave you a starting point for creating delicious meals. With practice, you’ll find your own favorite recipes and techniques. Keep experimenting and soon you’ll be a chicken pasta master!
This guide will help you make delicious and easy chicken pasta recipes. Remember to have fun and experiment with different ingredients!