If you’re searching for easy chicken pasta recipes that work for real life, this roundup has you covered. These family-friendly chicken pasta dinners are perfect for busy weeknights and include everything from creamy comfort food to one-pot meals, skillet dinners, and baked casseroles.

A collage of six chicken pasta dishes, including creamy, baked, and tomato-based varieties. Bold text in the center reads, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights. Website: pumpkinnspice.com.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a hungry family, or just trying to get dinner on the table without stress, these weeknight chicken pasta recipes are simple, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients.

Quick Jump Guide: Find Your Perfect Chicken Pasta

Creamy & Cozy Chicken Pasta

These easy, creamy chicken pasta recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, dinner that everyone will love. With rich sauces and simple ingredients, these meals come together quickly and feel like classic comfort food.

Who this section is for: Families looking for cozy, kid-approved chicken and pasta recipes that are easy enough for weeknights.

A skillet filled with creamy chicken bacon ranch tortellini mixed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon strips, and garnished with chopped parsley, sitting on a blue and white checkered cloth.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini: Creamy tortellini, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning make this an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy, family-friendly chicken pasta recipe that’s perfect for picky eaters and busy nights.

A plate of fettuccine topped with creamy mushroom sauce and sliced grilled chicken breast, reminiscent of chicken marsala pasta, garnished with fresh thyme, with whole mushrooms and herbs in the background.

Chicken Marsala Pasta: This chicken marsala pasta brings restaurant-style flavor to an easy weeknight dinner. With a rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s a comforting pasta dish that still feels a little fancy.

Creamy chicken pot pie noodles are mixed with shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and parsley in a rich white sauce. A wooden spoon is partially visible, stirring the delicious mixture in a skillet.

Chicken Pot Pie Noodles: All the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie come together in this easy noodle-based dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for weeknights when you want something warm and familiar.

One-Pot and Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

These easy one-pot and Instant Pot recipes are made for fast, stress-free weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and fewer dishes, they’re ideal when you need a meal on the table quickly.

Who this section is for: Busy families who want easy recipes with chicken and pasta with minimal cleanup.

A close-up of a skillet filled with cheesy macaroni pasta, shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and fresh parsley—a delicious one pot BBQ chicken pasta recipe. A wooden spoon is scooping up a serving.

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta: This one-pot dish is smoky, creamy, and made for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot, making it simple an and easy.

A plate of Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta with chunks of chicken, sprinkled with black pepper and chopped parsley, sits on a light-colored table. A fork rests on the plate, ready to eat.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta: This dish is a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s rich, comforting, and ready quickly thanks to the pressure cooker.

A close-up of creamy Tuscan chicken mac and cheese with tender chicken, spinach leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes in a white pan, stirred with a wooden spoon.

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese: Classic mac and cheese gets a flavorful upgrade with tender chicken and Tuscan-inspired ingredients. This creamy dinner is perfect for weeknights when comfort food is needed.

Instant Pot pesto chicken pasta being stirred with a wooden spoon, featuring tender pieces of chicken and vibrant pesto sauce in a stainless steel pot.

Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta: This meal is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a great weeknight dinner when you want something different but still delicious.

A bowl of creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo, topped with parsley, sits on a blue cloth. In the background, blurred bread and fresh parsley complete this inviting scene.

One Pan Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: This Alfredo is rich, creamy, and made with just one pan. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers classic comfort food flavor without the extra cleanup.

Skillet Chicken Pastas:

These easy skillet and one pan dinners are quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights. Everything cooks fast on the stovetop, making these recipes great for nights when time is tight.

Who this section is for: Anyone who needs quick, no-fuss chicken and pasta recipes made easy after a long day.

A close-up of creamy rigatoni pasta with chunks of chicken, sliced mushrooms, and a sprinkle of herbs and grated cheese, served in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: A garlic sauce envelopes tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta for a dinner that’s gone in a flash!

A chicken parmesan pasta skillet filled with cheesy pasta in tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and garnished with chopped herbs. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: All the flavors of chicken parmesan come together in this easy one-skillet pasta dinner. It’s cheesy, saucy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want lots of flavor with minimal cleanup.

A skillet filled with creamy penne pasta, sliced red bell peppers, onions, and chicken strips, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges on top, with a wooden spoon resting in the pasta.

Chicken Fajita Pasta: This chicken fajita pasta combines bold Tex-Mex flavor with creamy pasta for an easy, flavor-packed weeknight meal. It’s colorful, customizable, and a great way to switch up your usual chicken pasta routine.

A white plate with creamy asparagus orzo pasta and golden-brown grilled chicken, garnished with herbs. A napkin and another plate of food are visible in the background.

Chicken Asparagus Orzo: This orzo is a lighter pasta-style dinner that’s still comforting and filling. It’s an easy weeknight option packed with fresh flavor and simple ingredients.

Baked Chicken Pasta and Casseroles:

These easy baked pasta recipes are hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and leftovers, these casseroles are simple to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.

Who this section is for: Busy people who love make-ahead, family-friendly chicken and pasta casseroles.

ravioli in a white dish with a wooden spoon lifting up a piece of ravioli and chicken

Chicken Alfredo Baked Ravioli: This easy baked ravioli is layered with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and cheesy goodness for the ultimate family-friendly comfort meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a cozy dinner that feels a little special without extra work.

A close-up of a chicken and noodle casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, with a wooden spoon lifting a serving to reveal pasta, green beans, and tender pieces of chicken inside a white dish.

Chicken Noodle Casserole: This casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s an easy dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, garnished with chopped parsley and mixed with pieces of chicken. Perfect for christmas pasta recipes, a wooden spoon is serving a portion from the dish.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake: This easy pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. It’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Lighter and Fresh:

These chicken and creamy pasta recipes are lighter, fresh, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without a heavy sauce.

Who this section is for: Those who want easy, weeknight chicken dinners with fresh, lighter flavors.

A skillet filled with creamy lemon chicken pasta, featuring bowtie noodles, tender chicken chunks, and fresh parsley, garnished with two lemon slices. A striped kitchen towel and fresh parsley are visible in the background.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: This creamy lemon chicken pasta is bright, comforting, and comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner. The fresh lemon flavor keeps it light while the creamy sauce makes it a family-friendly favorite.

A bowl of easy chicken caprese pasta salad with spiral noodles, chunks of chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and a light dressing. A striped napkin and a bowl of extra cherry tomatoes are nearby.

Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta: This pasta is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for lighter weeknight dinners. Juicy tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and basil keep this family-friendly meal simple and satisfying.

Top Picks: Reader-Favorites

What to Serve with Chicken Pasta:

Fresh & Light Sides:
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or broccoli pair perfectly with these dishes.

Bread & Comfort Sides:
Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a crusty loaf are always a hit with pasta dinners.

Veggie-Packed Weeknight Sides:
Roasted carrots, baked mushrooms, or cauliflower keep dinner balanced without extra work.

Chicken Pasta FAQ:

What’s the best chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and work well for most weeknight dinners, while chicken thighs stay extra juicy. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well for creamy and baked recipes, while long noodles like fettuccine are perfect for Alfredo-style sauces.

How do I keep chicken from drying out?

Cook chicken just until done and avoid overcooking. Adding chicken back to the sauce at the end helps keep it tender and juicy.

How do I reheat creamy chicken pasta?

Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to keep the pasta creamy and prevent it from drying out.

Are these recipes good for weeknight dinners?

Yes! All of these recipes are designed to be easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re craving creamy comfort food or a quick one-pan dinner, these easy chicken recipes with pasta make weeknight cooking simple and stress-free. Save this list for later and come back whenever you need a tried-and-true dinner idea.

If you make a recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and a star rating on the recipe page…it helps more readers find this recipe. And don’t forget to tag @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or share a photo so I can see your delicious creation!