I know how vital it is to have quick and tasty meal ideas, especially for busy weeknights. Using boneless chicken thighs can cut down cooking time. This makes it easier for a weeknight dinner, as Yotam Ottolenghi suggests. With some smart ingredient swaps and cooking tips, you can whip up a delicious meal fast.
These easy chicken thigh pasta recipes are ideal for those who want to cook healthy, simple meals. They help build cooking confidence with clear instructions. In this article, we’ll look at some of my top chicken thigh pasta recipes. They’re quick, under 30 minutes, and serve one person with about 639 kcal per serving.
These recipes have been tested by many and have an average rating of 4.84 from 218 votes. They’re perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying dinner. Each serving has about 748.68 kcal and 52.55 g of carbs.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Chicken Thighs for Pasta Dishes?
Many ask why I choose chicken thighs for pasta. It’s because they bring more taste and juiciness than chicken breasts. This makes them ideal for dishes like chicken thigh pasta and creamy chicken thigh pasta. Emilie Pullar says chicken thighs have more taste and can be cooked in many ways.
Here are some benefits of using chicken thighs:
- Flavor and juiciness: Chicken thighs have more fat, making them tender and tasty.
- Cost-effective: They are cheaper than chicken breasts, perfect for saving money.
- Quick cooking time: Chicken thighs cook fast, great for quick meals on busy nights.
Chicken thighs are a top pick for pasta because they add a rich, meaty taste. They also have a soft texture that goes well with many sauces. This includes creamy sauces found in creamy chicken thigh pasta.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Thigh Pasta
For delicious chicken thigh pasta, the right ingredients are key. I choose the perfect pasta first. It affects the dish’s texture and taste. For garlic chicken pasta, I pick short, sturdy pasta that catches the sauce well.
Fresh herbs and spices boost the dish’s flavor. I mix garlic, onion, and herbs like basil and oregano for depth. For one pot pasta, quality chicken broth and parmesan cheese add richness.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Penne, fusilli, and farfalle are great for chicken pasta. They hold sauce well and contrast with tender chicken.
Fresh Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme add freshness. Spices like garlic and onion bring warmth. Mixing fresh and dried herbs is best.
Sauces That Pair Well
Tomato, cream, and pesto sauces are popular. I mix them for a rich, flavorful sauce that complements chicken and pasta.
| Pasta Shape | Sauce | Herbs and Spices |
|---|---|---|
| Penne | Tomato Sauce | Garlic, Onion, Basil |
| Fusilli | Cream Sauce | Parsley, Thyme, Oregano |
| Farfalle | Pesto | Garlic, Lemon, Basil |
One-Pan Creamy Chicken Thigh Pasta Recipe
I adore a good creamy chicken thigh pasta dish. This one-pan recipe is a real game-changer. It’s quick to make and has a rich, creamy sauce that coats your pasta and chicken beautifully.
To make this skillet chicken thigh pasta, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 10 ounces of pasta, and 12 ounces of evaporated milk. Don’t forget olive oil, chopped carrots, onion, and celery, along with some seasoning and herbs.
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to follow:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces pasta
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
To cook the dish, start by sautéing the vegetables in olive oil for 5-7 minutes. Then, add the chicken and cook until it’s slightly pink in the center. After that, add the pasta, evaporated milk, and seasoning. Simmer the mixture uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
This recipe is not only tasty but also relatively healthy. It has a 50% fat reduction compared to regular creamy pasta recipes. Each serving has about 476 kcal, with 33g of protein, 16g of fat, and 48g of carbohydrates.
In summary, this one-pan creamy chicken thigh pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It has a rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta
I’m always excited to try new chicken thigh pasta recipes. The mix of lemon and garlic is especially appealing. It’s perfect for spring and summer, when we have fresh herbs and citrus.
Emilie Pullar suggests adding lemon juice to creamy pasta sauces. It balances the richness beautifully. Here’s what you need for this dish:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 400 grams of dried pasta (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 5 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
To make garlic chicken thigh pasta, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, add the butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the garlic and lemon sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve the garlic chicken thigh pasta hot, topped with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This recipe is not just tasty, but also nutritious. It has about 659 kcal per serving, 41g of protein, and 4g of fiber. You can feel good about eating it.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 659 kcal |
| Protein | 41g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Spicy Chicken Thigh Pasta with Bell Peppers
I love cooking spicy chicken thigh pasta for a quick dinner. It’s great for those who like bold and spicy flavors. You’ll need boneless chicken thighs, bell peppers, and your favorite pasta.
The secret to a fantastic spicy chicken thigh pasta is mixing heat with creamy and savory bits. Add yogurt or parmesan cheese for this. For a simple chicken thigh pasta recipe, use pre-cooked chicken and a store-bought sauce.
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos
- Mix in some sautéed onions and garlic for added flavor
- Use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni or penne, for a change of pace
With these tips and a bit of creativity, you can make a tasty simple chicken thigh pasta dish. So, go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy your spicy chicken thigh pasta!
Mushroom and Chicken Thigh Pasta Bake
I adore a good pasta bake, and this mushroom and chicken thigh pasta bake is a top pick. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s great for a chilly evening or a special occasion. Yotam Ottolenghi suggests using boneless chicken thighs for a quicker dish on busy weeknights.
To make this healthy chicken thigh pasta dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include mushrooms, chicken thighs, and pasta. I prefer using a mix of cremini, baby Bellas, and button mushrooms. For pasta, choose a high-quality spaghetti or other long, thin pasta shape.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this simple chicken thigh pasta recipe:
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried porcini mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the dish, cook the pasta as instructed. Then, mix it with the chicken, mushrooms, and cream sauce. Put the mixture in a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
This mushroom and chicken thigh pasta bake is a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
| Nutrition Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 498 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
30-Minute Chicken Thigh Pasta Primavera
I enjoy making chicken thigh pasta recipes, especially quick ones. Chicken Thigh Pasta Primavera is a favorite of mine. It’s great for busy weeknights because it cooks fast.
Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian dish. It uses spring veggies like onions, garlic, and peas. It’s served with a creamy sauce. You’ll need chicken thighs, pasta, and spring veggies for this recipe.
Seasonal Vegetables to Include
For this recipe, I like using grape tomatoes, matchstick carrots, and frozen peas. You can also add chopped red onion and minced garlic for more flavor.
Quick Cooking Tips
To cook fast, prep your ingredients first. Chop the onion and garlic, and slice the carrots and grape tomatoes. Cook the chicken thighs in a large skillet, then add the veggies and cook until they’re tender.
Next, add the pasta and creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Here’s a summary of the recipe in a table format:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 8 ounces |
| Pasta | 8 ounces |
| Grape tomatoes | 1.5 cups |
| Matchstick carrots | 1 cup |
| Frozen peas | 15 ounces |
Garlic Butter Chicken Thigh Pasta
I love making garlic chicken thigh pasta for my family. It always impresses them. The mix of garlic, butter, and herbs makes a tasty sauce. This sauce goes well with the chicken and pasta.
To make this dish, you need 1 pound of chicken thighs, 16 ounces of spaghetti, 8 garlic cloves, and 5 tablespoons of butter. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. You’ll spend 8 minutes cooking the pasta just right.
It’s important to cook the chicken to 165°F for safety. You can serve it with steamed veggies or a green salad for a complete meal.
When making this recipe, use fresh garlic and real butter. Don’t overcook the pasta. You can add cherry tomatoes or spinach for a creamy twist. This recipe is great for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.
This garlic chicken thigh pasta is a tasty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The rich sauce and tender chicken make it a family favorite.
One-Pan Creamy Chicken Thigh Pasta
Materials
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces pasta
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add diced chicken thighs and cook until slightly pink in the center, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in evaporated milk, followed by the pasta and seasonings.
- Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
What is the best method for cooking chicken thighs?
It depends on what you’re going for! If you want crispy skin, pan-searing followed by oven-roasting works great. For juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat, slow cooking or braising is the way to go. Grilling also gives chicken thighs a smoky, charred flavor.
How do you get sauce to stick to chicken thighs?
A few tricks can help! Make sure your sauce is thick enough—adding a little cornstarch or reducing it can help. Also, toss the chicken in the sauce while it’s still warm so it absorbs better. If you’re using a glaze, brush it on in layers while cooking for a sticky, caramelized coating.
How to add chicken stock to pasta?
Swap out some or all of the water for chicken stock when boiling pasta—it adds a ton of flavor! You can also stir in some stock while tossing the cooked pasta with sauce for extra richness. If you’re making a creamy dish, reducing the stock slightly before adding it helps concentrate the taste.
How to prepare chicken thigh meat?
If using bone-in thighs, trim any excess skin or fat. For boneless thighs, remove any tough connective tissue. Patting the meat dry helps with crisping if you’re searing or roasting. Want extra flavor? Marinate for at least 30 minutes or season generously before cooking.
How does Gordon Ramsay cook chicken thighs?
Gordon Ramsay loves bold flavors, so he often pan-sears thighs for crispy skin, then finishes them in the oven with garlic, herbs, and butter. Sometimes, he braises them with wine or stock for extra tenderness. His trick? High heat to start, then slow cooking to keep them juicy.
How long to cook chicken thighs in the oven in the UK?
It depends on the temperature! At 180°C (350°F), boneless thighs take about 25-30 minutes, while bone-in thighs need 35-40 minutes. At 200°C (400°F), reduce the time slightly—20-25 minutes for boneless, 30-35 minutes for bone-in. Always check that the internal temp hits 75°C (165°F) for safety.