Comforting and Easy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe

Chicken Kiev Pasta brings together the buttery, garlicky flavors of the classic Chicken Kiev with the creamy satisfaction of pasta—all in one comforting dish. This is a quick and satisfying family-friendly dinner that transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, freshly cooked cutlets, or looking for a new twist on chicken and pasta recipes without cream, this one-pan dish has you covered. It’s everything you love about Chicken Kiev, made weeknight-ready in pasta form.

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What Is Chicken Kiev Pasta?

Chicken Kiev Pasta is an inventive fusion recipe that blends the rich, garlicky filling of traditional Chicken Kiev with a hearty pasta base. The classic version of Chicken Kiev features a breaded chicken breast filled with garlic herb butter. This pasta version takes those signature flavors—garlic, herbs, butter—and infuses them into a pasta sauce, coating pieces of chicken and tender noodles in every bite.

It’s a clever spin that’s more approachable for everyday cooking, while still capturing the indulgent taste of the original. For fans of chicken Kiev casserole recipes or chicken and cavatappi pasta dishes, this is a perfect blend of both.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kiev Pasta Bake

This pasta recipe has several standout qualities:

It’s quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish
You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or even pan-fried cutlets
It doesn’t require any heavy cream
It’s made in one pan for easy cleanup
The buttery, garlicky flavor will remind you of a restaurant-quality dish
It’s kid-friendly, customizable, and a comforting classic in the making

It’s perfect for busy weeknights but special enough to serve for a cozy weekend meal. If you’ve ever searched for one pan chicken and pasta or chicken pasta recipes no cream, this recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Kiev Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Kiev Pasta. Stick to these amounts for best results:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
2 cups cooked pasta (such as cavatappi or rotini)
1 cup chicken broth
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

This ingredient list is flexible enough to work with substitutions, but try to keep the base of butter, garlic, lemon, and chicken to preserve the signature Chicken Kiev flavor.

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Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

You don’t need much to make this simple pasta dish:

Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Medium pot for boiling pasta
Measuring spoons and cups
Grater for Parmesan cheese
Baking dish (if preparing as a pasta bake)

These basic tools will help you whip up the perfect chicken Kiev pasta bake or even a quick stovetop version with minimal mess.

How to Make Chicken Kiev Pasta Step by Step

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to bubble slightly.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter-garlic mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss everything to combine evenly.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is coated in the sauce.
8. For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a little extra Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or lemon zest if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Cavatappi Pasta Dish

Use short pasta like cavatappi, rotini, or penne, which holds the garlicky sauce beautifully
Don’t overcook the garlic—it should be golden, not brown or bitter
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor
Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces so it mixes well with the pasta
Add a splash of lemon juice right at the end to brighten up the whole dish

These simple tricks turn an easy dinner into a crave-worthy family favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicken Pasta Recipes No Cream

Using dry chicken: Make sure your chicken is moist and tender. If you’re using leftover chicken, warm it gently in the sauce.
Skipping the lemon: This adds essential brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Adding cold cheese: Let your cheese come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother melt.
Overcrowding the pan: Give everything space to combine without getting mushy.

With these mistakes avoided, your chicken Kiev pasta will taste just as rich and satisfying as the classic dish, but lighter and faster to prepare.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Kiev Casserole Recipes

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple sides:

Steamed green beans with a touch of garlic
A crisp arugula or Caesar salad
Roasted zucchini or cherry tomatoes
Crusty garlic bread or herb focaccia
Mashed potatoes for extra comfort

These sides balance out the richness of the dish while keeping the flavors cohesive and simple.

Creative Leftover Chicken and Pasta Recipes

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is for leftovers. Try these ideas:

Toss the pasta into a wrap or pita with spinach and shredded cheese for a quick lunch
Reheat and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed brunch
Use leftover chicken and noodles in a soup with extra broth and vegetables
Bake the leftovers in muffin tins for pasta cups your kids will love
Add a splash of milk and extra Parmesan before reheating for an extra creamy version

This recipe is one of the easiest ways to turn leftover chicken and pasta into something fresh and flavorful.

One Pan Chicken and Pasta: How to Make It Easier

To keep cleanup minimal, consider these shortcuts:

Cook the pasta first in the same pan you’ll use for the sauce. Drain and set aside.
Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
Add the chicken directly into the butter sauce so it warms through without drying out.
Skip the baking step entirely for a faster one-pan stovetop version.

These tricks help you transform this into a one pan chicken and pasta dream meal with almost no effort.

Variations: Chicken Cutlets and Pasta, or Chicken Breast and Noodles Recipe

There are plenty of ways to customize this dish depending on what you have on hand:

Chicken cutlets and pasta: Bread and lightly pan-fry your chicken cutlets before slicing and tossing with the garlic butter sauce.
Chicken breast and noodles recipe: Use egg noodles instead of pasta for a classic comfort food feel.
Chicken Kiev pasta bake: Make it in a casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs and more cheese before baking for 15 minutes.
Vegetable variation: Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

These swaps ensure that no matter what’s in your kitchen, you can make a version of this dish that works for you.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Chicken Kiev Pasta Fresh

Here’s how to make sure your leftovers stay delicious:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts if needed

Store breadcrumbs separately if you’re baking, so they stay crisp when reheated.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Kiev Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, then store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake before serving.

Is it spicy with red pepper flakes?
No, the spice is very mild. Feel free to omit them for a more kid-friendly version.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Romano or Asiago work well. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt smoothly like feta or goat cheese.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time and sauce ratio if your pasta absorbs more liquid.

What if I don’t have lemon?
Use a splash of white vinegar or omit altogether, though the citrus really enhances the flavor.

Final Thoughts and Recipe Sharing Invitation

Chicken Kiev Pasta is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, delicious, and flexible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe makes a flavorful addition to your pasta rotation.

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