Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality pasta dish but wanted to skip the high prices and long wait times? Making a delicious chicken pasta recipe at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize flavors to your liking. This chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing dinner guests, this easy chicken pasta recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making this a convenient go-to meal any day of the week.

Ingredients List

    • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 2 cups fresh spinach
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
    • Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

For the Sauce:

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup chicken broth
    • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

This recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something quick yet satisfying. The prep work is minimal, and everything cooks in one pan while the pasta boils separately, making cleanup a breeze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting sauce consistency later. Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta by 1 minute if you plan to toss it with the sauce for an extra minute.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels for better browning. This chicken pasta recipe relies on well-seasoned, caramelized chicken for maximum flavor, so don't rush this step.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up flavorful browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Cheese Stir in cherry tomatoes and let them soften for 2-3 minutes. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. For this easy chicken pasta recipe, the key is adding cheese slowly to prevent clumping.

Step 6: Combine Everything Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish with lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 625
    • Protein: 42g
    • Carbohydrates: 52g
    • Fat: 28g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 25% DV
    • Iron: 15% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Protein Swaps: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Gluten-Free: Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety—chickpea or brown rice pasta work beautifully.

Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute Greek yogurt mixed with a little pasta water for a tangy, protein-rich sauce.

Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Prepare on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, rubbery chicken ruins the dish. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F. Let it rest before slicing.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Dumping all the Parmesan at once causes clumping. Add it gradually while stirring constantly over low heat.

Skipping Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is essential for creating a silky sauce that clings to pasta. Always reserve some before draining.

Overcrowding the Pan: When searing chicken, leave space between pieces. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning, resulting in bland, pale chicken.

Using Low-Quality Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh Parmesan for best results.

Boiling the Sauce: High heat can cause cream to separate and become grainy. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer throughout.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover chicken pasta recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, to prevent drying out.

Freezing: This easy chicken pasta recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months, though cream-based sauces sometimes separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze, as it will soften further when reheated.