Quick recipes with pasta and chicken
Got pasta and chicken 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.
Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Tomato Pasta
20 min Serves 4weeknightitaliancomfort food
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Pasta with Fresh Herbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredlight
Crispy Chicken with Chili-Garlic Pasta
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredspicy
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Spinach
15 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredquick
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Crispy Chicken Thighs
30 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredcomfort food
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Charred Chicken and Herbs
18 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredgluten-free-option
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta with Fresh Basil
25 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredcomforting
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Lemon & Fresh Herbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredlight
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Common questions
- Can I use frozen chicken in pasta recipes, and do I need to thaw it first?
- You can cook frozen chicken directly in pasta dishes, but it will take 50% longer to cook through; for even cooking and better seasoning absorption, thawing in the refrigerator for 24 hours beforehand is recommended. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) regardless of method.
- What are good budget-friendly ways to make pasta and chicken go further?
- Stretch your ingredients by adding plenty of vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli), using pasta with added protein like chickpea or lentil pasta, or mixing half the usual chicken with white beans or canned chickpeas for the same protein at lower cost. Building a creamy sauce with yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream also adds volume inexpensively.
- How long can I store leftover pasta and chicken dishes in the fridge?
- Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked pasta and chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator; you can also freeze it for up to 3 months for longer storage. Freeze without sauce or with sauce on the side when possible, as this helps maintain the pasta's texture when reheating.
- Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs or other cuts in my pasta recipes?
- Yes, thighs work great and actually stay more moist and flavorful in pasta dishes, though they take slightly longer to cook and have more fat; drumsticks and other tougher cuts can work too but benefit from longer cooking times or being shredded. Adjust your cooking time accordingly since thighs typically need 5-10 extra minutes compared to breasts.
- How can I make pasta and chicken healthier without sacrificing taste?
- Use whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for more fiber and protein, replace heavy cream sauces with tomato-based or light olive oil versions, and bulk up the dish with extra vegetables to add nutrients and volume. Grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying, and using olive oil instead of butter, significantly reduces calories while maintaining great flavor.