Wholesome and Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a one-pan wonder that combines lean protein, hearty pasta, and fresh ingredients for a well-rounded meal. It’s lighter than cream-based pasta dishes, yet full of flavor and texture. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and great for meal prep, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Baby spinach or kale
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon juice (for brightness)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove and let rest before slicing.
4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly blistered.
6. Stir in bell peppers and greens (spinach or kale), cooking just until wilted.
7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
8. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
9. Squeeze in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
10. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free or low-carb version.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto for extra herby flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
This dish also works well for meal prep and can be eaten cold as a pasta salad with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini holds the sauce and mix-ins well, but you can use any type you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats well. It’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add a creamy element to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese can add richness without overpowering the freshness.

What vegetables can I add to this pasta?

Broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas all work well. Add based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking for the best sear and texture.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together after cooking?

Toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining if not using immediately.

What kind of herbs pair well with this dish?

Basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano all complement the dish beautifully.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat.

What can I serve with this chicken pasta?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a green salad or garlic bread for a heartier spread.

Conclusion

This Wholesome and Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, nutritious, and loaded with fresh flavors. With its tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and just the right amount of zest, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Serve it hot, cold, or any way in between—it always hits the spot.

Wholesome and Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipe

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This Wholesome and Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a nutritious, one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred type)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft and blistered, about 5 minutes.
6. Add bell peppers and greens. Cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
8. Pour in reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Stir to loosen the sauce and coat evenly.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
10. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• Swap pasta with gluten-free or chickpea pasta if needed.
• Add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety.
• To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Enjoy cold as a pasta salad the next day with extra olive oil and lemon juice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 85mg