Chicken Pasta Recipes

Chicken and pasta combine to create hearty and satisfying meals that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy meal for guests, these chicken pasta recipes are sure to impress. From creamy Alfredo to zesty lemon garlic, here are some irresistible dishes to add to your culinary repertoire:

### 1. Creamy Chicken Alfredo

**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken slices over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

### 2. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.

### 3. Pesto Chicken Pasta

**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)

**Instructions:**
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken strips over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.

These chicken pasta recipes are versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer a creamy sauce or a tangy pesto, there’s a dish here to satisfy every pasta lover’s cravings. Try one tonight and treat yourself to a comforting and delicious meal!