Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and flavorful dishes, and what better way to savor the season than with delicious chicken pasta recipes featuring a rich red sauce? These recipes are not just tasty; they’re also healthy, making them ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Here are five delectable chicken pasta dishes that combine the freshness of summer ingredients with the hearty appeal of red sauce pasta.
Contents
Classic Chicken Marinara with Spaghetti Pasta
Dive into the timeless taste of the Classic Chicken Marinara with Spaghetti. This dish captures the essence of a true Italian meal, featuring al dente spaghetti smothered in a homemade marinara sauce enriched with herbs and spices. The chicken is seasoned and grilled to perfection, then sliced and laid atop the pasta, absorbing the flavorful sauce. This marinara meal is not just a pasta dish; it’s a celebration of robust flavors, combining the juiciness of well-cooked chicken with the tanginess of tomato sauce, perfect for a nutritious summer dinner.
Lemon Butter Chicken Linguine Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with the Lemon Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that promises a burst of flavor with every bite. The linguine serves as the perfect backdrop for the zesty, creamy sauce made from a blend of fresh lemon juice and rich butter, giving it a luxurious texture and tangy flavor. Topped with tender strips of chicken breast that are sautéed to golden perfection, this pasta dish is a delightful mix of refreshing lemon and savory chicken, making it a popular dinner recipe for those who appreciate a touch of gourmet in their meals.
Tomato Basil Chicken Penne Pasta
For those who love fresh, garden-inspired flavors, the Tomato Basil Chicken Penne is a must-try. This recipe combines penne pasta with a vibrant sauce made from ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a refreshing yet hearty dish. The chicken is cooked until succulent and then mixed into the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This chicken tomato pasta is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, making it a perfect protein recipe for dinner.
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Fusilli Pasta
Indulge in the creamy delight of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Fusilli. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, featuring spiral fusilli that captures the rich, creamy sauce made from grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. The baked chicken pieces added to the mix bring a satisfying protein element to the meal, making it a hearty choice for a family dinner. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual gathering, this creamy parmesan chicken with penne (or fusilli) promises a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Barbecue Pulled Chicken over Rigatoni Pasta
Bring a touch of the unexpected to your pasta dishes with the Barbecue Pulled Chicken over Rigatoni. This unique recipe combines the deep flavors of barbecue sauce with the robust texture of rigatoni pasta. The pulled chicken, slow-cooked to perfection, is tossed in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce and then combined with the pasta, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The cowboy butter sauce adds an extra layer of richness, making this one-pan chicken pasta a standout dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and pulled chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably homemade or your favorite brand)
- 3 cups rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup cowboy butter (melted butter mixed with garlic, parsley, and chili flakes)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Recipe Details
Cuisine
- Type: Pasta
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Dietary Considerations: Contains gluten and dairy
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Instructions
Prepare the Pulled Chicken
- Cook the Chicken:
- If not using leftover pulled chicken, cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker or instant pot until tender, typically about 4 hours on low. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- Combine Cowboy Butter Ingredients:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Rigatoni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Combine and Serve
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers with a bit of cowboy butter until softened.
- Add the pulled chicken and barbecue sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni with the barbecue chicken mixture and remaining cowboy butter.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
This Barbecue Pulled Chicken over Rigatoni Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the comfort of pasta with the exciting taste of barbecue. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, providing a satisfying and robust meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors that make each bite a delicious adventure!
Each of these chicken pasta recipes brings something special to your summer dining table. They are not only delicious and satisfying but also incorporate healthy ingredients that cater to a balanced diet. From the zesty lemon butter chicken to the classic tomato basil, these dishes showcase the versatility of chicken pasta with red sauce. Enjoy these easy-to-make, scrumptious recipes that are sure to become your new favorites for summer dining.