16 Chicken Pasta Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

Do you love easy, delicious pasta recipes, and need a little inspiration for fresh ideas to add into your weeknight rotation? I’ve got you covered with this collection of 16 of the best chicken pasta recipes! From classic and restaurant worthy chicken fettuccine alfredo, to satisfyingly spicy Cajun chicken penne, these dishes are simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you just don’t know what to make for dinner. Let’s jump straight in… 

1. Classic Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Nothing says comfort like a creamy chicken Alfredo! This rich dish features tender fettuccine smothered in a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce with juicy, succulent chicken breast. It’s a family favorite that’s surprisingly easy to master and brings restaurant-quality flavors to your own table. My toddler LOVES this one, and the leftovers are great for serving for lunch the next day! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and heavy cream, stirring until warmed. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

2. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish with a little kick, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is it! It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with bold flavors. If you like things extra spicy, you can garnish with some red pepper flakes just before serving. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta until al dente.
3. Add bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken, cooking until softened.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Gradually add Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

3. Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This vibrant, cozy pasta dish combines juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a beautiful blend of colors and flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes, sautéing until the tomatoes soften.
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
5. Toss in the pasta and chicken, stir to coat, and serve warm.

4. Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Rich and rustic and totally delicious, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta combines sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and chicken in a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s like taking a trip to Italy but without leaving your own kitchen—a recipe you’ll want to make all year long!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb fettuccine or linguine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until creamy. Add spinach and allow it to wilt.
5. Add the cooked pasta and chicken, toss to coat, and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

5. Lemon Chicken Pasta

Fresh and full of zesty flavor, this Lemon Chicken Pasta is perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter for your next pasta night. With lemon, garlic, and a touch of cream, it’s super simple to make but elegant and sophisticated. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. In the skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice, stirring until smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until creamy, adding pasta water as needed.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

6. Chicken Pesto Pasta

This one’s a bit of a classic in our household, and since having kids, I’ve probably made it at least once a fortnight. You can chuck in any extra veggies if you like, and the leftovers are super handy for having in the fridge to serve as part of a picky lunch the next day. If you’re feeling fancy then you can make your own pesto, but store-bought is fine too! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
3. In the skillet, toss together cooked pasta, chicken, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

7. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This creamy pasta pairs chicken with earthy mushrooms in a deliciously rich sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and a go-to for busy weeknights. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until softened.
• Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Gradually add Parmesan until smooth.
• Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.

8. Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This one’s for fans of a spicy kick! I absolutely love buffalo sauce, and so incorporating into a chicken pasta recipe was a no-brainer. I always use Frank’s, but any brand is fine. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. In the skillet, add heavy cream and buffalo sauce, stirring until smooth. Gradually add cheddar cheese.
4. Add the pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat. Garnish with green onions.

9. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken make this pasta a flavor-packed hit. It’s indulgent and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.
2. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. In the skillet, add heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring until combined. Gradually add Parmesan.
4. Toss pasta, chicken, and bacon in the sauce. Garnish with parsley.

10. Greek Chicken Orzo

This Greek-inspired pasta is light and refreshing, featuring chicken, orzo, and Mediterranean flavors like Kalamata olives, feta, and lemon. It’s perfect for those days when you fancy something a little fresher, and it’s also a great choice for making for gatherings and potlucks, as it’s so easy to scale the recipe. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb orzo
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden.
2. Cook orzo according to package directions, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, toss orzo with chicken, tomatoes, olives, feta, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

11. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A classic Caesar salad in pasta form! Grilled chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing make this pasta salad a refreshing twist on pasta night, and this one is always a huge hit whenever I serve it up. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb bowtie pasta
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• Croutons for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season and grill the chicken, then slice.
2. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and cool.
3. In a large bowl, toss pasta, chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing until well combined.
4. Top with Parmesan and croutons before serving.

12. BBQ Chicken Pasta

This BBQ Chicken Pasta combines smoky barbecue flavors with creamy pasta, and it’s a fabulously kid-friendly meal that often saves the day when I just don’t know what to make for dinner! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. In the skillet, add cream cheese and BBQ sauce, stirring until creamy.
4. Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce, top with cheddar, and garnish with green onions.

13. Chicken Fajita Pasta

A fun twist on fajitas, this pasta includes chicken, bell peppers, and fajita spices for a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish. It’s a great choice if you love all the flavors of Mexican cuisine, but you fancy trying something a little different! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with fajita seasoning and cook in olive oil until golden.
2. Cook pasta, then drain.
3. Add bell peppers to skillet, then add cream and cheese until smooth.
4. Toss in pasta and chicken, garnish with cilantro.

14. Chicken Carbonara

An Italian favorite, chicken carbonara is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors of bacon and Parmesan. I like to use golden yolk eggs, as they give the dish a wonderful deep color – and they taste delicious! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Black pepper to taste
• Parmesan, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken in olive oil, set aside. Cook bacon, then set aside.
2. Cook pasta, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
3. Beat eggs with Parmesan, add to hot pasta with chicken and bacon.
4. Toss and serve warm, garnished with parsley.

15. Ranch Chicken Spaghetti

This Ranch Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy twist on traditional spaghetti, loaded with the tangy flavor of ranch and tender chicken. It’s a unique, fun pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
3. In the skillet, add heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring until smooth. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
4. Toss spaghetti and chicken in the sauce, then garnish with fresh chives before serving.

16. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta features a rich, garlicky sauce combined with tender chicken and Parmesan for a deliciously savory dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden, about 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Gradually add Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

I hope you’ll love these chicken pasta recipes as much as I do! Be sure to leave a comment below and share your thoughts – I love hearing your thoughts, and it helps me to create more recipes that you’ll enjoy making in your own kitchen.