5 Creamy Pasta Recipes with Chicken: Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that is both delicious and filling? Look no further than creamy pasta recipes with chicken!
These meals are perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Why Chicken and Pasta are a Great Combination
Chicken and pasta are a great combination because they are both versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. Chicken is a lean protein that is easy to cook and goes well with many different flavors. Pasta is a filling carbohydrate that can be paired with a variety of sauces and ingredients to create a delicious meal.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta
Before we dive into some delicious creamy pasta recipes with chicken, let’s talk about how to cook perfect pasta. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a large pot of salted water: The water should be salty like the ocean to properly season the pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a bite to it.
- Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup or so of the cooking water. This starchy water can be used to thicken sauces and help them adhere to the pasta.
- Don’t rinse the pasta: Contrary to popular belief, you should not rinse the pasta after cooking it. This removes the starches that help the sauce stick to the pasta.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
One of the most popular creamy pasta recipes with chicken is Chicken Alfredo. This dish is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Another delicious creamy pasta recipe with chicken is Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. This dish is a great way to sneak some vegetables into your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bowtie pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- 5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
For a twist on the classic pasta dish, try making Creamy Chicken Carbonara. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. spaghetti pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cream mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you’ll love this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta recipe. It’s rich and flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender and browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cream mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
For a recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table, try this Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta. It’s savory, indulgent, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cream mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Customizing Creamy Pasta Recipes with Chicken
While these recipes are delicious as written, you can also customize them to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Add more vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to your creamy pasta recipes for some extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use a different type of pasta: Swap out the linguine or spaghetti for fettuccine or penne to change things up.
- Use different proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp or salmon instead.
- Use different sauces: Try making a creamy tomato sauce or pesto sauce instead of Alfredo sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy pasta recipes with chicken are a quick and easy way to create a delicious and filling meal for your family.
Whether you choose Chicken Alfredo, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, or Creamy Chicken Carbonara, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.
Don’t be afraid to customize them to suit your tastes and experiment with different ingredients and sauces. Happy cooking!