Quick recipes with chicken and pasta
Got chicken and pasta and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken Pasta with Spinach
25 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort fooditalian-inspired
Lemony Chicken & Orzo with Fresh Herbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredlight
Harissa-Tomato Chicken Pasta with Charred Garlic
20 min Serves 4weeknightboldspicy
Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta Skillet
25 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredquick
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Fresh Basil
30 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort-foodfamily-friendly
Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Caper Pasta
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredquick
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Pappardelle
25 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredcomfort-food
Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Pasta
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredlight
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Common questions
- Can I use frozen chicken in my pasta dish, and do I need to thaw it first?
- You can cook frozen chicken directly in your pasta sauce, though it will take about 50% longer to cook through safely—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. For faster, more even cooking, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to your dish.
- What's the best way to store leftover chicken pasta, and how long will it last?
- Store cooled chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
- Can I substitute chicken breast with thighs or other cuts?
- Yes—chicken thighs are actually a great option as they stay juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, though they take slightly longer to cook (about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through).
- What affordable sides go well with chicken pasta without adding much prep time?
- Simple options like a bagged salad, steamed frozen vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly and require minimal effort; you can even toss the pasta with extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to make it heartier and healthier.
- How can I make chicken pasta healthier without sacrificing flavor?
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for more fiber and protein, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.