Time: 25 min · Also need: garlic, cream or milk, parmesan
A rich, silky sauce made in the same pan as the chicken.
Cook 12 oz pasta. Save ½ cup of the water.
Cook 1 lb bite-size chicken in a skillet until done. Add 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds.
Add 1 cup cream (or milk plus 1 tbsp butter) and ½ cup parmesan. Simmer 2 minutes, toss with the pasta, and loosen with pasta water.
A handful of spinach stirred in at the end wilts in seconds.
2. Easy chicken alfredo
Time: 25 min · Also need: butter, cream, parmesan, garlic
The restaurant favorite, made at home in about 25 minutes.
Cook 12 oz fettuccine.
Season and cook 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin, until 165°F. Set aside.
In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter with 2 garlic cloves, add 1½ cups cream and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup parmesan, then toss with the pasta and chicken.
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than the shaker kind.
3. One-pot chicken parm pasta
Time: 30 min · Also need: pasta sauce, mozzarella, parmesan
Chicken parmesan flavor with no breading and no frying.
Brown 1 lb bite-size chicken in a large pot.
Add a 24 oz jar of pasta sauce, 2 cups water and 12 oz penne. Simmer covered 12 to 14 minutes, stirring often.
Top with 1½ cups mozzarella and a little parmesan. Cover until melted.
Toasted breadcrumbs on top give it the crunch of real chicken parm.
4. Chicken pesto pasta
Time: 20 min · Also need: a jar of pesto, cherry tomatoes or spinach
Bright and fresh. A jar of pesto does all the work.
Cook 12 oz pasta.
Cook 1 lb seasoned chicken pieces until done.
Toss the pasta, chicken, ⅓ cup pesto and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or spinach. Add a splash of pasta water.
Great cold the next day as pasta salad.
5. Cajun chicken pasta
Time: 25 min · Also need: Cajun seasoning, bell pepper, cream
A little spice, a lot of flavor. Easy to make milder for kids.
Cook 12 oz penne.
Toss 1 lb chicken pieces in 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and cook with a sliced bell pepper.
Add 1 cup cream and ¼ cup parmesan, simmer 2 minutes and toss with the pasta.
Use half the seasoning for a family-friendly version.
6. Chicken noodle casserole
Time: 40 min · Also need: frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheese
Comfort food that comes together fast with cooked chicken.
Cook 8 oz egg noodles.
Mix with 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 can cream of chicken soup, ¾ cup milk and 1 cup cheese.
Spread in a baking dish, top with more cheese or crushed crackers, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Rotisserie chicken makes it nearly effortless.
Quick answers
What temperature should chicken be cooked to?
The USDA recommends 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece: the juices should run clear with no pink.
How much pasta for 4 people?
About 12 oz dry pasta feeds four with chicken in the dish. Use a full pound for leftovers.
Why save pasta water?
The starchy water helps sauces cling and turn silky. Add a few spoonfuls at a time.
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