What Sauces Go With Chicken & Pasta? BEST Choices!
Are you a lover of the classic combination of chicken and pasta, but feel stuck in a rut when it comes to sauce choices?
Are you on the lookout for new and exciting ways to add flavour to your favourite dish, but can’t seem to come up with any ideas?
Well you’ve landed in the right place, because today we’re going to explore the very best sauces that pair perfectly with chicken and pasta!
From rich and creamy alfredo to bright and tangy pesto, we’ll reveal some creative and delicious sauces that will elevate your chicken and pasta game.
Let’s get going…
What Sauces Go With Chicken & Pasta?
Some classic sauce options that pair beautifully with chicken and pasta include alfredo, tomato, carbonara, marinara, clam, and salsa di noci.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider garlic olive oil sauce, a fresh and herby pesto, or vibrant and zesty lemon butter sauce.
Spice lovers will adore the fiery kick of fajita pasta sauce, and if you want to keep things simple whilst getting some leafy greens into your diet, a creamy spinach sauce could be right up your street.
Let’s take a look at the best ways to make these sauces, plus some extra ideas that you might want to try…
Classic Chicken Pasta Sauces
In this section, we’ll explore some classic chicken pasta sauces that you can effortlessly whip up in your kitchen.
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy white sauce, perfect for enhancing your chicken and pasta dishes.
It’s an Italian restaurant favourite, and it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re in the mood for a big bowl of comfort.
This Alfredo sauce recipe combines delicious ingredients including butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan, and it takes just ten minutes including prep time.
The result is a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly complements your chicken and pasta.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a versatile option that pairs well with chicken and pasta.
You can start with a simple base of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, and then add your choice of herbs and spices to create a unique flavour profile.
Basil and oregano are popular choices, but feel free to experiment to find your favourite combination.
You can keep things super simple, or get creative with the extras. I love to add some dried red chilli flakes and some pieces of crispy bacon!
Carbonara Sauce
For a sinfully delicious treat, try making a carbonara sauce for your chicken and pasta.
It’s traditionally made with just a handful of ingredients, and importantly, there’s actually no cream used in the authentic version of the recipe, and the creaminess comes from the use of eggs.
Though carbonara is most typically associated with bacon, it’s particularly delicious if you add chicken either instead of or as well as!
If you want to add some extras to the dinner table, take a look at my guide to what to serve with carbonara.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is another popular choice for chicken and pasta dishes.
Like tomato sauce, it starts with a base of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
The addition of onions, thyme, basil, oregano, and a splash of red wine creates a robust, flavourful sauce that is sure to please.
Clam Sauce
For a surprisingly delicious twist on chicken and pasta, consider making a clam sauce. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and is ideal for a midweek dinner or a special meal with friends!
Begin by sautéing garlic and crushed red pepper flakes in olive oil.
Add canned or fresh clams (chopped or whole) and cook until they are heated through.
Add a splash of white wine and let it reduce, then stir in butter and season with salt and pepper.
Toss with your cooked pasta and grilled chicken, and enjoy a truly unique dish.
Salsa Di Noci
If you’re looking for something a little different, give Salsa Di Noci a try.
This creamy walnut sauce originates from Northern Italy and adds a delightful, nutty flavour to your chicken and pasta dishes.
Though this sauce looks pretty plain and simple, it’s full of flavour and it makes for a great change if you’ve got stuck in a rut with your usual go-to sauces.
Make a little more than you need, and serve the leftovers with roast chicken and a green salad, or spread it over crusty baguette for a satisfying snack!
Lighter Pasta Sauce Options
Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
A simple yet flavourful option for your chicken and pasta dish is a garlic olive oil sauce.
Begin by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic.
Sauté the garlic until it’s golden brown and fragrant.
You can enhance the taste by adding chilli flakes or freshly ground black pepper. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
This sauce is perfect for a light meal and complements pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.
Herb Pesto Sauce
Another delightful option for a lighter pasta sauce is an herby pesto.
For this, you’ll need a blend of fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro.
Combine your chosen herbs with pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor.
Blitz until smooth, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Mix the pesto with your cooked pasta and chicken for a vibrant, delicious dish.
For side dish inspiration for your meal, take a look at what to serve with pesto pasta.
Lemon Butter Sauce
A lemon butter sauce makes for a delicious, creamy option that works beautifully with chicken and pasta.
Start by melting butter in a skillet, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest.
Let the sauce simmer for a minute, allowing the flavours to meld.
Add salt, black pepper, and a dash of cream if you prefer a slightly richer sauce.
Gently toss your cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce, and serve it with a sprinkling of fresh herbs or grated parmesan.
This sauce pairs well with linguine, pappardelle, or even filled pasta like ravioli.
By experimenting with these lighter sauce options, you’ll be able to create delicious and satisfying chicken and pasta dishes without relying on heavier sauces. Enjoy the variety and freshness these options bring to your culinary adventures!
Spicy Chicken Pasta Sauce Ideas
Spicy Tomato Sauce
For a delightful twist on a classic, try making a spicy tomato sauce for your chicken pasta.
Start by sautéing garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes in a skillet, and then add crushed tomatoes for a rich, tangy base. You can follow this spicy chicken pasta recipe to get the perfect blend of spices to rub on the chicken before cooking it.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Sauté garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes
- Add crushed tomatoes
- Rub spices on chicken and cook
- Toss in cooked pasta
The spicy tomato sauce easily adds a delicious zing to your chicken pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Fajita Pasta Sauce
If you’re in the mood for a fusion of flavours, a Chicken Fajita Pasta Sauce is an excellent choice.
It combines the taste of a classic Mexican fajita with the convenience of pasta, creating a flavourful and unique dish.
The fusion of chicken fajita flavours with pasta makes for a truly tasty, and spicy, pasta sauce that will certainly impress your guests.
Remember to adjust the heat level to your preference, as some people might not enjoy extremely spicy dishes.
Enjoy experimenting with the various spicy elements, such as chillies or hot sauces, to create a perfect balance of flavour for your chicken pasta.
Creamy Chicken and Pasta Recommendations
Creamy Spinach Sauce
For a delightful and nutritious twist on your chicken pasta, try a creamy spinach sauce.
First, sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
Then, mix in cream cheese to achieve a thick and creamy consistency.
Pour in a bit of milk or cream to adjust the thickness, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Add your cooked, diced chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring to ensure every bit is coated in delicious creaminess.
This combination of chicken, pasta, and spinach is not only packed with flavour, but also rich in essential nutrients, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
For a unique Mediterranean touch to your creamy chicken pasta, consider a roasted red pepper sauce.
First, roast red peppers in the oven until they are tender and slightly charred.
Then, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the roasted peppers and a can of diced tomatoes.
Allow the mixture to simmer, melding the flavours together.
Next, blend the sauce until smooth, before stirring in cream or crème fraîche.
Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Gently reheat the sauce, adding your cooked chicken and pasta.
The vibrant colour and bold, smoky flavours of the roasted red peppers will elevate your chicken pasta, offering a tantalising taste experience.
Pasta Choices for Chicken Dishes
When it comes to pairing pasta with chicken dishes, several options work well.
Here, we’ll discuss four popular pasta choices that complement chicken dishes perfectly: Spaghetti, Linguine, Tortellini, and Stuffed Shells.
Spaghetti
Spaghetti, a classic long and thin noodle, is a versatile choice when it comes to chicken pasta dishes.
You can easily toss it with a simple and light garlic chicken sauce or a hearty chicken bolognese.
The pasta’s slim profile allows it to absorb flavours well, enhancing your chicken dish. When adding spaghetti to your chicken recipe, make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Linguine
Slightly thicker and flatter than spaghetti, linguine is another great option for pairing with chicken.
Its flat shape helps it hold chunky sauces better, such as creamy chicken and mushroom, or a zesty chicken and sundried tomato pasta.
To ensure your linguine stays toothsome, avoid overcooking and toss it with your chicken sauce immediately after draining the pasta.
Tortellini
Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or meat.
They provide a delightful twist to chicken pasta dishes, adding extra texture and flavour.
You can serve them with lighter sauces like chicken broth or a cream-based sauce to highlight the pasta’s filling.
To make sure your tortellini turn out perfectly, follow the package instructions for boiling time and check for doneness by tasting one piece.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells, often filled with rich ingredients like ricotta and spinach, pair wonderfully with chicken in dishes like chicken Alfredo stuffed shells.
The large pasta shells provide an ideal vessel for your chicken mixture, creating a satisfying and flavoursome meal.
When cooking stuffed shells, make sure to use a large pot with plenty of water to ensure even cooking, and follow the package guidelines for cooking times.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect pasta-chicken pairing for your palate.
Before you go, you might also want to check out the best sauces for chicken and rice!
