Chicken Pasta: How To Make 3 Restaurant-Quality Dishes At Home

Tired of spending $20+ on restaurant Chicken Pasta dishes that you could make at home? You’re not alone. Many home cooks struggle to recreate that perfect balance of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich, flavorful sauces that make restaurant pasta so irresistible.

These three Chicken Pasta recipes deliver restaurant-quality results with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. As a culinary instructor who’s taught thousands of home cooks how to master Italian classics, I’ve refined these recipes to eliminate common pitfalls and guarantee success.

In this guide, you’ll discover chef-approved techniques for perfectly cooked pasta, velvety sauces that cling to every bite, and chicken that remains juicy and flavorful. I’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to plating tips that will transform your Chicken Pasta from basic to brilliant.

Why This Chicken Pasta Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients available at any grocery store
• Prep and cook in under 30 minutes for weeknight convenience
• Versatile recipes that scale easily for intimate dinners or large gatherings
• Professional techniques simplified for home kitchens without specialized equipment
• Balanced flavors that appeal to adults and children alike

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Best Pasta Shapes for Chicken Dishes

For cream-based Chicken Pasta dishes, choose shapes that trap sauce in their ridges or hollows. Fettuccine excels with Alfredo sauce, while penne or rigatoni work beautifully with chunky chicken and vegetable combinations. For lighter olive oil-based sauces, spaghetti or linguine create the perfect delicate base.

Always select pasta made from durum wheat semolina for authentic texture and cooking performance. The slight golden hue and rough texture of quality pasta helps sauce adhere better than smoother, cheaper alternatives.

Chicken Selection Tips

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein but can dry out quickly. For foolproof juiciness, consider boneless, skinless thighs instead—they remain tender even when slightly overcooked. If using breasts, butterfly or pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch for consistent cooking.

Look for chicken with a pinkish hue and avoid any with a gray tinge or strong odor. For maximum flavor, choose air-chilled chicken over water-chilled varieties, which can dilute the meat’s natural taste.

Quality Ingredients Matter

Restaurant-quality Chicken Pasta requires:

• Extra virgin olive oil (for finishing, not cooking)
• Regular olive oil or vegetable oil (for sautéing)
• Real Parmigiano-Reggiano (not pre-grated cheese)
• Fresh garlic (not jarred)
• Fresh herbs when possible (especially basil, parsley, and thyme)

Ingredients & Prep

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before cooking, always:

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to promote browning
2. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
3. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
4. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking

For quick weeknight meals, prep chicken in advance by slicing and storing in refrigerator-safe containers for up to two days.

Essential Pantry Items

Stock these items for perfect Chicken Pasta anytime:

• Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• Heavy cream
• White wine (dry varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Red pepper flakes
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste (in tubes for easy storage)

Quick Marinades for Flavor Boost

For maximum flavor in minimal time, try these 15-minute marinades:

• Lemon-Herb: Lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs
• Italian: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic
• Garlic-Parmesan: Olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and parsley

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Recipe #1: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Slice 1 lb boneless chicken breasts into ½-inch strips
2. Mince 3 garlic cloves
3. Chop 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
4. Roughly chop 2 cups fresh spinach
5. Grate 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Cooking Method

1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
4. Sauté chicken until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes), then remove to plate
5. In same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds
6. Add ¼ cup white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up brown bits
7. Reduce heat to medium-low, add 1 cup heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes
8. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened
9. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz fettuccine to al dente according to package directions
10. Return chicken to pan, add spinach, and stir until wilted
11. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water
12. Add pasta to sauce, tossing to coat (add pasta water if needed for consistency)
13. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese until melted

Doneness Check

• Chicken should register 165°F on instant-read thermometer
• Pasta should be tender but still firm to bite (al dente)
• Sauce should coat back of spoon but not be too thick

Serving

Plate pasta with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper.

Recipe #2: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Cut 1 lb chicken into 1-inch cubes
2. Slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper
3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes
4. Pit and chop ½ cup kalamata olives
5. Crumble 4 oz feta cheese

Cooking Method

1. Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano
4. Sauté chicken until golden (about 5 minutes), then remove to plate
5. In same pan, add bell peppers and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened
6. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds
7. Return chicken to pan
8. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest
9. Stir in ½ cup chicken broth and simmer 2-3 minutes
10. Drain pasta and add to pan, tossing to combine
11. Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and feta cheese

Doneness Check

• Chicken should be fully cooked with no pink remaining
• Vegetables should be tender-crisp
• Sauce should lightly coat pasta without pooling

Serving

Serve with additional lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Recipe #3: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Pound 1 lb chicken breasts to even thickness
2. Mince 6 garlic cloves
3. Grate 1½ cups Parmesan cheese
4. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Cooking Method

1. Cook 12 oz linguine according to package directions
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder
3. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium heat
4. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (4-5 minutes per side)
5. Remove chicken to cutting board and slice into strips
6. In same pan, add 2 more tablespoons butter and garlic
7. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant
8. Add 1 cup chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream
9. Bring to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced
10. Whisk in 1 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
11. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water
12. Add pasta to sauce, tossing to coat (add pasta water if needed for consistency)
13. Return sliced chicken to pan and heat through

Doneness Check

• Sauce should coat pasta evenly and be creamy but not too thick
• Chicken should be tender and juicy
• Pasta should still have slight bite

Serving

Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Pasta Perfection

• Salt pasta water generously (it should taste like sea water)
• Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions for truly al dente texture
• Never rinse pasta after cooking (except for cold pasta salads)
• Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency

Chicken Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing chicken (work in batches if needed)
• Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
• For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking
• Use chicken thighs for foolproof juiciness

Sauce Mastery

• Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors
• Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency
• For creamy sauces, don’t boil after adding cream or cheese to prevent curdling
• Adjust seasoning at the end, as reduction concentrates flavors

Tool Recommendations

• Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch preferred)
• Pasta pot with built-in strainer
• Instant-read thermometer for checking chicken doneness
• Microplane grater for citrus zest and hard cheeses
• Kitchen tongs for handling and tossing pasta

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover Chicken Pasta in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive sauce
• For creamy sauces, reheat gently over low heat to prevent separation
• Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating for brightness

Flavor Variations

Spicy Twist

• Add ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic
• Incorporate 2 tablespoons spicy sun-dried tomato pesto
• Finish with a drizzle of chili oil for controlled heat

Low-Carb Options

• Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for pasta
• Use shirataki noodles for keto-friendly Chicken Pasta
• Increase vegetables and reduce pasta amount for lower carb count

Global Flavors

• Asian Fusion: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil
• Mexican Inspired: Incorporate cumin, chili powder, and finish with lime
• Indian Twist: Add curry powder, turmeric, and coconut milk instead of cream

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)

Wine Pairings

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Medium-bodied Chardonnay
• Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta: Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Light Pinot Noir or Chianti

Presentation Tips

• Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the pasta
• Twist long pasta with tongs for height when plating
• Add final garnishes like fresh herbs, lemon zest, or cheese tableside

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely before cooking and pat dry thoroughly to ensure proper browning. Frozen chicken often releases excess moisture, resulting in steaming rather than sautéing.

How do I fix a broken cream sauce?

If your sauce separates, remove from heat immediately and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cold heavy cream. For severe separation, blend 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and whisk into the sauce over low heat.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Prepare components separately (cook chicken, make sauce, boil pasta) up to 2 days ahead, then combine and reheat gently. Add fresh herbs and cheese just before serving. For best results, slightly undercook pasta when making ahead.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Pasta?

Microwave in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel covering the dish, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce.

Can I freeze these Chicken Pasta dishes?

Cream-based pasta dishes generally don’t freeze well, as the sauce tends to separate upon thawing. The Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta freezes better than the creamier versions. If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta.

Conclusion

With these three restaurant-quality Chicken Pasta recipes in your repertoire, you’ll never need to pay restaurant prices for exceptional pasta dishes again. The techniques you’ve learned—properly cooking pasta, creating silky sauces, and keeping chicken moist and flavorful—will serve you well beyond these specific recipes.

Ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound pasta prowess? Fire up that stove and start cooking tonight! These recipes have been tested and loved by thousands of home cooks who were once intimidated by making restaurant-quality pasta at home.

For more dinner inspiration, check out our related recipes like [One-Pot Weeknight Wonders] or [5-Ingredient Pasta Sauces] that build on these same fundamental techniques.