27 Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Never Tire Of

Chicken Garden Medley

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, squash, bell pepper, angel hair, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

With vegetables, chicken and a delicate cream sauce, this angel hair pasta dish makes a perfectly balanced meal on its own. If you can’t get enough of those thin, silky noodles, check out our best angel hair pasta recipes.

“After my family sampled this dish at a friend’s house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week!” —Recipe contributor Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan

Chicken Stroganoff

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon, chicken breasts, mushrooms, flour, sour cream, noodles
Level: Beginner

A mixture of flour and sour cream thickens this rich stroganoff sauce, which gets a satisfying hit of smoky pork goodness from chopped bacon. Serve the dish over classic egg noodles and top it with a sprinkle of paprika or freshly chopped parsley.

“Stroganoff is such a comfort food. While traditionally a beef dish, it can easily be adapted for other proteins, and it is just as delicious. With this creamy chicken stroganoff, I get to enjoy all the lovely sauciness with the benefits of the lighter white meat.” —Recipe contributor Leo Lo, Norfolk, Virginia

Spicy Chicken and Tomato Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tomato sauce, green onions, hot sauce, chicken breasts, pasta
Level: Beginner

This fiery chicken pasta dish also works well with chicken thighs, large shrimp and cubed extra-firm tofu as the main protein. Swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream to add tang and cut down on fat.

“I serve this spicy chicken and tomato pasta with full glasses of milk to calm the bite. It’s a super way to stay toasty on blustery autumn days.” —Recipe contributor Donna Michaelis of Madison, Wisconsin

Firefighters Chicken Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked chicken
Level: Beginner

This hearty baked spaghetti is always the most popular dish at the potluck. Make it with leftover rotisserie chicken, our favorite starter protein for easy weeknight dinners.

“My husband is a firefighter in our town, and I’m often in the kitchen most of the day making some kind of dinner for the local fire department, neighbors or family to pass around. This spaghetti casserole is a firehouse favorite.” —Recipe contributor Krista Davis-Keith, New Castle, Indiana

Chicken Tetrazzini

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, heavy cream, half-and-half, cubed cooked chicken
Level: Intermediate

When we think “chicken pasta,” we usually think of chicken tetrazzini, that rich and satisfying pasta casserole. Baking the pasta casserole uncovered will mean your cheesy topping always turns golden. To make it even more crispy, broil it for a few minutes after baking.

“A good friend shared a version of this recipe with me 35 years ago. I pay it forward by bringing the second casserole to friends when they are unable to cook.” —Recipe contributor Helen McPhee, Savoy, Illinois

Mexican Manicotti

Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, refried beans, manicotti shells, picante sauce, Monterey Jack
Level: Beginner

This zesty baked manicotti is unlike any you’ve ever had, thanks to beans, a dash of picante sauce and sliced ripe olives. For another great Mexican-inspired pasta dish, check out our favorite taco lasagna.

“Serve this hearty entree with Spanish rice, homemade salsa and tortilla chips. I’ve also made it without ground beef, and our friends who are vegetarians requested the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Lucy Shifton, Wichita, Kansas

Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, ground chicken, onion, spaghetti sauce
Level: Beginner

So many delectable Italian meals start with a package of chewy potato gnocchi, though homemade potato gnocchi is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Serve this filling skillet with a simple side salad and lots of extra shredded Parmesan cheese.

“Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Chicken Scampi

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Linguine, chicken breasts, tomatoes, lemon, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

We can’t think of a better pairing for this robust chicken pasta than garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine. If there are any leftovers—we doubt there will be—store this linguine in an airtight container for up to four days.

“This chicken scampi recipe is so delectable that I’m often asked to double it when family members visit over the holidays. I also suggest preparing it with shrimp for a quick, convenient alternative that’s also delicious.” —Recipe contributor Janet Lebar, Centennial, Colorado

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, mushrooms, heavy cream, white wine, cooked chicken
Level: Beginner

This quick penne is an easy leftover chicken recipe we turn to when we’re craving comfort food without putting in too much effort. We recommend using a pinot grigio or unoaked chardonnay for the sauce; just make sure it’s one you’d want to drink so you can enjoy the rest with your meal.

“Rich, creamy and laced with wine, this homemade sauce is one my family loves. Use it over pasta and chicken for a dinner you’ll be proud to serve. I also add capers to lend a salty, lemony flavor to pasta.” —Recipe contributor Elaine Moser, Spokane, Washington

Chicken and Bows

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, frozen peas
Level: Beginner

Frozen peas add a bright pop of flavor and color to this kid-friendly pasta that comes together in less than a half hour. While we use bow ties, you can use any medium short pasta you have, like penne.

“I first made this recipe when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry.” —Recipe contributor Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas

Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Angel hair, chicken breasts, broccoli, chicken broth, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

This comforting angel hair dish featuring chicken, veggies and a delicate sauce is such a simple dinner for the family to enjoy. To ensure your chicken stays moist and tender, avoid these mistakes everyone makes when cooking chicken.

“If you want to put something on the table that’ll give you time to spare on busy nights, give this delicious angel hair pasta with chicken a try. From start to finish, you’re only 20 minutes away from a vibrantly colored meal!” —Recipe contributor Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California

Chicken Pasta Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate

With all those little ridges, penne is the perfect pasta shape to absorb homemade tomato sauce and lots of herbaceous Italian seasonings, but rigatoni and spiral pasta also work well. Mix in extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli and zucchini for even more color and nutrients.

“This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes.” —Recipe contributor Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Chicken Spinach Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, spinach
Level: Beginner

You’ll want to serve this creamy chicken and penne feast with lots of bread—like easy homemade focaccia or no-knead Dutch oven bread—so you don’t let a drop of sauce go to waste. For extra zesty flavor, finish the dish off with a squeeze of lemon.

“Cleanup is a breeze with this all-in-one supper. To make things even easier, tear the spinach with your hands instead of cutting it.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fettuccine, asparagus, chicken breasts, shrimp, heavy cream
Level: Beginner

When you can’t choose between meat or seafood, this decadent restaurant-quality fettuccine hits all the right notes. For the best flavor, find fresh asparagus that hasn’t begun to wilt or get mushy.

“My kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates.” —Recipe contributor Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, penne
Level: Beginner

This zesty pasta is one of our favorite Cajun recipes because it has so much rich chicken flavor and just a touch of creaminess. If you don’t have any on hand, homemade Cajun seasoning is easy to whip up.

“This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most-requested recipe. It’s easy to adapt too. Substitute shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies and adjust the spice level to your family’s taste—you can’t go wrong!” —Recipe contributor Dolly Kragel, Sloan, Iowa

Cajun Chicken Lasagna

Total Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground chicken, crushed tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, mozzarella, ricotta, lasagna
Level: Beginner

Well-seasoned ground chicken lightens up your traditional meat sauce in this utterly showstopping Cajun-inspired lasagna. Of course, it all starts with the Cajun holy trinity: celery, green bell pepper and onion.

“Destined to be a new favorite with all around the table, this zesty take on traditional Italian lasagna is a nod to the Gulf Coast. Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning if you like spicier fare.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, angel hair, white wine or chicken broth, lemon
Level: Intermediate

Pair this satisfying creamy pasta with a fresh and crispy veggie side, like radish cucumber salad or any one of our top salad recipes. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to five days—we recommend storing the chicken and pasta separately to preserve their textures.

“My grandmother made chicken wings and served them over rice. To speed things up, I cook lemony chicken breasts and serve them over capellini pasta.” —Recipe contributor Aileen Rivera, Bronx, New York

Texas Chicken Spaghetti

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chiles, Velveeta, cooked chicken
Level: Beginner

Yet again, canned cream of mushroom soup makes the ideal base for a rich pasta sauce. For people with dietary restrictions, this dairy-free cream of mushroom soup comes pretty close to the kind with cream.

“This recipe for Texas chicken spaghetti was given to me years ago by a favorite sister-in-law, a wonderful cook. My whole family has the recipe and enjoys it too. It is easy to freeze or it can be made the day before and kept in the fridge. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom soup instead of one mushroom and one chicken.” —Recipe contributor Virginia Chamblin, Youngsville, Louisiana

Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, ranch dressing, cooked chicken
Level: Beginner

Zesty ranch dressing adds so much pizzazz to this mac and cheese, which is full of Swiss, cheddar and Parmesan. Check out more of our favorite recipes that use a bottle of ranch dressing—yes, it’s more than a salad condiment!

“Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most.” —Recipe contributor Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, cooked chicken, Alfredo, Buffalo wing sauce
Level: Beginner

Combining two hall of fame comfort foods—Buffalo wings and fettuccine Alfredo—results in a peppery yet creamy pasta that has just the right amount of tang. The sauce, which comes together with jarred ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, is delicious tossed with potato gnocchi or any type of thick noodle that can stand up to the bold flavors.

“My family loves this quick Buffalo chicken Alfredo! It became an instant favorite. I like to use Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce, but if you like things on the milder side, just use a little less.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Chicken Cacciatore

Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bone-in chicken, tomatoes, red wine, flour, spaghetti
Level: Beginner

Bone-in chicken is best for cacciatore because it practically melts into the fragrant sauce when cooked low and slow. For a little something extra, chopped olives would make a lovely briny topping that contrasts nicely with the dish’s richness.

“This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It’s inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pasta shells, chicken breasts, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, meatless pasta sauce
Level: Intermediate

Shells are easier to stuff when they’re cooked a bit al dente, so make sure not to cook them all the way. For easy stuffing, put the cheese filling in a resealable plastic bag, cut a small hole in the corner and pipe the mixture into the shells.

“When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it’s love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture.” —Recipe contributor Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, spiral pasta, cream cheese, baby spinach, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes
Level: Beginner

If you still don’t have a pressure cooker in your arsenal, what are you waiting for? For inspiration, check out the best pressure cookers we’ve tested. The appliance is perfect for cooking flavorful sauces without standing over the stove all day.

“After the chicken and pasta cook and the milk and cream cheese are added, the mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together.” —Recipe contributor Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Easy Chicken Alfredo

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, fettuccine, heavy cream, Parmesan, eggs
Level: Beginner

Thick, creamy and soul-warming, homemade Alfredo sauce is worth every bit of extra effort. Roasted asparagus offers bright green contrast as a side dish, or go even simpler with steamed lemon broccoli or an easy Italian salad.

“This dish’s classic sauce is almost as simple as opening a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Copycat Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, refrigerated tortelloni, Alfredo sauce, Asiago
Level: Beginner

When you’re craving pasta, you can’t go wrong with this indulgent Olive Garden copycat recipe of cheesy tortelloni topped with grilled chicken breasts. If you can’t find tortelloni—which is like a larger version of tortellini—swap in any stuffed cheese pasta.

“My family loves all types of pasta, but this dish is one of their favorites. Swap out your favorite flavor of tortelloni or tortellini if you can’t find any with Asiago.” —Recipe contributor Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Chicken Casserole

Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chicken breasts, macaroni
Level: Beginner

This slow-cooker chicken casserole is a fantastic base for variations, whether you add chopped veggies after step four or switch up the cheeses (swap in pepper jack for the cheddar if you like a bit of spice.) Use spiral pasta or any short noodle in place of the macaroni.

“Slow-cooker chicken casserole has all the classic comfort food ingredients. Change the flavor by switching up one or both cans of soup, the type of cheese or the seasonings. If you don’t have macaroni on hand, other small pasta shapes could be used or even cooked rice or noodles.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Total Time: 45 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, spaghetti, bacon, heavy cream, shrimp
Level: Intermediate

The secret ingredient to this creamy chicken and shrimp spaghetti? Pasta water! Reserve a half a cup of that starchy goodness, which will help thicken the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.

“This copycat Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara will bring the tasty goodness of the original straight to your kitchen. Crispy pieces of chicken and shrimp are tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and paired with al dente pasta for an absolute crowd-pleaser.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Chicken Pasta Recipes FAQ

What sides go with chicken pasta?

For these recipes you’ll want to think about the best sides for pasta rather than for chicken, which is so often paired with a starch. In these recipes, pasta is the starch, so the lighter, the better. Crisp green salads and simple roasted broccoli make lovely accompaniments to these chicken pastas. If you do want a carb to soak up the sauces, a simple Italian bread is the way to go.

How long is chicken pasta good for in the fridge?

Cooked chicken should be eaten within three or four days of going in the fridge, according to the USDA, but it’s best to eat your chicken pasta within two or three days so the noodles don’t get soggy. Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight food storage container.

Can you freeze pasta with chicken?

Generally, yes! The best chicken pastas for freezing are lasagnas and baked casseroles, which you can pop in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Here’s how to freeze lasagna the right way. You can freeze cooked pasta with sauce, but we recommend freezing pasta and sauce separately for the best texture.