Pasta dishes are a timeless favorite in many households, and for good reason! Their versatility, delicious flavors, and comforting textures make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy indulgence, a zesty kick, or a satisfying family meal, pasta can be adapted to suit all tastes. This article will explore some irresistible pasta recipes featuring chicken, rich creamy sauces, and delightful seasonings that will elevate your dinner table to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta: A Comforting Feast
Few things are as satisfying as crispy chicken paired with creamy pasta. This golden crispy chicken with creamy pasta is a comforting feast that’s bound to put smiles around the table.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. penne or fettuccine pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot, then cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, then top with the golden crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a meal that’s rich in flavor and texture.
This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy, golden chicken and creamy pasta—an unbeatable combination that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Zesty Lemon Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
For those who crave bold flavors and a touch of spice, this zesty lemon Cajun chicken fettuccine alfredo will hit the spot. With its Cajun seasoning, tangy lemon, and creamy Alfredo sauce, this pasta dish is both flavorful and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 chicken cutlets or 1 pound tenders
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ cups parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and a generous pinch of pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice and transfer it to a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pan, add the remaining butter, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and return the chicken to the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
This dish’s zesty lemon and bold Cajun spices give the creamy Alfredo sauce a lively kick, making it a flavorful twist on the classic pasta dish.
Satisfying Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta
For those who love the rich and savory flavors of Marsala wine, this creamy chicken Marsala pasta is the perfect choice. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy wine sauce, this dish is a true indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge it lightly in flour, and sear it in a skillet with olive oil and butter until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender. Add the Marsala wine and chicken broth, simmering until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, then let the sauce thicken.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce, then garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
This creamy chicken Marsala pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner, with its rich flavors from the Marsala wine, mushrooms, and cream.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Looking for a hearty, baked pasta dish that’s a meal in itself? This chicken and broccoli Alfredo bake combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli into a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni according to package instructions, adding the broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Sauté garlic in the same skillet, then add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Bake: Combine pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the Alfredo sauce, then transfer to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
This baked pasta dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce with hearty chicken and vegetables.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Rigatoni
For an indulgent dish that’s both creamy and savory, this creamy chicken bacon rigatoni is a winner. The smoky bacon adds a delightful twist to the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Sauté garlic in the same skillet, then add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. Top with crumbled bacon and garnish with parsley.
This creamy chicken bacon rigatoni is a luxurious, satisfying dish with the perfect balance of smoky bacon and creamy cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer crispy chicken with creamy pasta, zesty Cajun Alfredo, or a hearty chicken bake, these pasta recipes bring rich flavors, indulgent textures, and satisfying meals to your dinner table. Each dish is perfect for a weeknight family meal, a cozy weekend dinner, or even a special occasion. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy these delicious pasta dishes that everyone will love.