Easy Chicken and Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

When the workweek winds down, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Chicken and pasta are a dynamic duo that can transform your weeknight dinners into delicious, satisfying meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for yourself, these easy chicken and pasta recipes are perfect for quick, flavorful dinners.

Table of Contents

1. 1. Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pasta
   • Ingredients:
   • Instructions:
2. 2. Chicken Pesto Pasta
   • Ingredients:
   • Instructions:
3. 3. Lemon Chicken Pasta
   • Ingredients:
   • Instructions:
4. 4. Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
   • Ingredients:
   • Instructions:
5. 5. Buffalo Chicken Pasta
   • Ingredients:
   • Instructions:
6. Tips for Quick and Easy Chicken and Pasta Dinners

1. Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

2. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked penne, and stir in the pesto sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy your vibrant Chicken Pesto Pasta.

3. Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly.
4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the spaghetti, and toss to combine. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
5. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve warm.

4. Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in heavy cream. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked rotini, and toss to coat everything with the creamy tomato sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

5. Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season shredded chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Pour over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the buffalo sauce mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt.
5. Serve: Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions for an extra kick. Serve hot for a spicy, satisfying meal.

Tips for Quick and Easy Chicken and Pasta Dinners

• Prep Ahead: Cut and season your chicken in advance to save time during busy weeknights.
• Use Store-Bought Sauces: High-quality store-bought sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or marinara can significantly reduce cooking time without compromising flavor.
• One-Pot Meals: Whenever possible, try one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
• Frozen Chicken: Keep frozen chicken breasts on hand for a quick thaw and cook, ensuring you always have protein ready for your pasta dishes.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of your dishes.

Chicken and pasta dishes are versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. These easy recipes are designed to bring you delicious, hearty meals without the hassle, making your weeknight dinners both enjoyable and stress-free.