Chicken and pasta are a match made in culinary heaven, creating a versatile canvas for a wide range of delicious sauces.
From classic to creative, there’s a sauce to suit every palate and dietary preference.
In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the tasty combinations you can choose from, from classics like creamy Alfredo through to creative options like Asian inspired honey soy sauce…
What Are The Best Sauces for Chicken & Pasta? The Quick List
Some of the most delicious sauces for chicken and pasta include:
- Alfredo
- Tomato
- Pesto
- Mushroom
- Pepper and onion
- Honey soy
- White wine
Keep reading to find quick and easy recipes, plus more ideas including lighter and dairy free options!
Classic Sauces
Alfredo Sauce
You can’t go wrong with a creamy Alfredo sauce for your chicken and pasta dishes.
This rich, velvety sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, providing a decadent flavour that complements both the chicken and pasta.
To prepare Alfredo sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan, and then add garlic, letting it cook for about a minute.
Next, add heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and then toss it with your cooked chicken and pasta before serving.
Tomato Sauce
A classic tomato sauce is another versatile option for your chicken and pasta dishes.
Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and various herbs, this sauce adds a tangy and aromatic touch to your meal.
Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan, and then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (such as basil and oregano), and then let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop its flavours.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.
Pour the tomato sauce over your cooked chicken and pasta, and you’ve got a satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
If you like things spicy, try this arrabbiata sauce – it’s a delicious twist on a traditional tomato sauce!
Pesto Sauce
For a fresh and vibrant addition to your chicken and pasta, consider a delightful pesto sauce.
Made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, pesto is a zesty sauce that packs a flavourful punch.
To make pesto, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a food processor or blender.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil as you blend the ingredients together, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss your homemade pesto sauce with your favourite cooked pasta and chicken, and enjoy the aromatic and fresh flavours of this Italian classic.
Versatile and Creative Sauces
Mushroom Sauce
The mushroom sauce is a fantastic addition to both chicken and pasta dishes.
To prepare this sauce, you’ll want to start by sautéing sliced cremini mushrooms in some olive oil until they’re golden brown.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, add minced garlic and a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary.
After a couple of minutes, stir in some cream and let it simmer for a minute or two.
Finish off the sauce by adding some chopped parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.
Your mushroom sauce will not only be flavourful but also rich and creamy, perfect for enhancing your chicken and pasta dishes.
Pepper and Onion Sauce
For a more refreshing yet savoury sauce, why not try a pepper and onion sauce?
Begin by sautéing diced bell peppers and onions in olive oil until soft and tender.
Next, add crushed tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach leaves, allowing the tomatoes to cook down and the spinach to wilt.
To get that extra depth of flavour, feel free to add some garlic and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
This colourful and slightly tangy sauce is an excellent way to brighten up your chicken and pasta, and it goes particularly well with fajita pasta dishes.
Honey Soy Sauce
A honey soy sauce is an easy yet flavourful way to jazz up your chicken and pasta.
In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of honey and soy sauce, with a splash of water and some minced garlic.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the honey has melted and the sauce is smooth.
This slightly sweet, salty, and sticky sauce will delight your taste buds and work wonders with a simple grilled chicken or stir-fried pasta dish.
White Wine Sauce
A white wine sauce is a sophisticated option that will elevate your chicken and pasta dishes.
Start by melting some butter in a pan, and then add minced garlic and a generous splash of white wine.
Allow the wine to reduce slightly, and then stir in some cream.
Feel free to add some chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavour.
This timeless, elegant sauce will lend a touch of refinement to your meal, making it perfect for a special occasion or indulgent treat.
Health Conscious Options
As a health-conscious individual, you can still enjoy delicious sauces with your chicken and pasta without compromising on taste or nutrition.
In this section, we will explore some light cream sauce and dairy alternative options that cater to your dietary preferences while satisfying your taste buds.
Light Cream Sauce
For those who love a creamy texture but want to keep calories and fats in check, a light cream sauce is the way to go.
By using low-fat milk or even Greek yoghurt instead of heavy cream, you can significantly reduce its calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium content.
Feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach and mushrooms for added fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C – all of which are essential to a balanced diet.
To add flavour without packing on sodium and sugar, try using herbs, spices, and garlic.
Calcium and iron can also be obtained from cheese, so don’t hesitate to sprinkle some on top of your sauce, but be mindful not to go overboard.
Dairy Free Alternatives
If you’re looking to keep your chicken and pasta dish dairy free, there’s plenty of options available to you.
Ditch the cheesy, creamy options, and consider replacing them with alternatives like cashew-based creams or tomato-based sauces.
These can provide a comfort food feel while remaining low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Remember to include a variety of ingredients in your sauce to cover essential nutrients, such as:
- Fibre: Add plenty of veggies, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Potassium: Incorporate avocado or tomato to boost potassium levels.
- Vitamin A and C: Including spinach and carrots can help meet your vitamin A needs, and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C.
With these lighter and dairy free options at your disposal, you can enjoy a scrumptious chicken and pasta meal without worrying about your health goals.
Remember to have fun in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavours and textures to find your perfect sauce!