Air Fryer Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes!

Air fryer chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food reimagined. Tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in the air fryer, tossed with your favorite pasta and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. This air fryer chicken pasta takes a modern twist on a classic favorite, ensuring you get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing taste.

This recipe was born from a desire to cut down on dishes (and cooking time!) while still delivering a meal my family would love. My grandmother, the queen of resourceful cooking, would be proud of this shortcut version.

Why You Will Love This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

This air fryer chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Forget complicated recipes that require hours of prep; this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious. The air fryer makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, while the creamy sauce adds a touch of indulgence.

Think of this dish as a warm hug on a plate. It's comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s also versatile: you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze! Serve alongside a simple side salad and you have a complete, satisfying meal. If you love cooking with pasta, you might also appreciate my Grilled Salmon Pasta too.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

Here’s everything you'll need to create this delicious air fryer chicken pasta:

• Chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Pasta:

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

• Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Garnish:

  • Fresh Parsley Chopped

How to Make This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dish:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

2. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.

3. Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is air frying, cook the pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water until al dente. For another delicious idea for pasta, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Turkey Pasta.

5. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

6. Create a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.

7. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

8. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

9. Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Combine Everything: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat. Add the air fried chicken and stir gently to combine.

How to Serve This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

Serve this air fryer chicken pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra touch, add a lemon wedge for a burst of citrus.

How to Store This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover air fryer chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: While freezing is not recommended (as the sauce may separate), you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Be aware that the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave the pasta in 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Consider serving my Grilled Salmon Pasta 2 as an alternative version.

Tips to Make This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten free alternative. You can also use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.

• Success Tips: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the chicken. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy exterior. If you like a bit more spice add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy dish. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce, as this can impart a bitter flavor.

• Pro Tips for Best Results: Allow the air fryer chicken pasta to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

The size of the chicken cubes will affect the cooking time. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

You can use pre shredded Parmesan cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce. High quality Parmesan will create a creamier flavor.

For best results, use an air fryer that’s large enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer.

Variation of This air fryer chicken pasta Recipe

Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin to the pasta for a seasonal flavor. In the spring, mix in fresh peas and asparagus.

Optional Versions: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.

Creative Modifications: Try adding sun dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.

Be sure to try this recipe; it could be your new favorite meal! Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? This air fryer chicken pasta recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked chicken every time, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Gathering around a delicious meal can often lead to some of the best memories; this quick recipe can help make the goal a bit easier! So, grab your apron, preheat that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your creations and any variations you try! We love to hear from our readers. Let's make amazing air fryer chicken pasta together!

Air Fryer Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes!

Tender air fryer chicken and pasta tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce, ready in under an hour!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 20g

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
• 6 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well.
5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat.
11. Add the air fried chicken and stir gently to combine.
12. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the chicken cubes.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
• You can use gluten-free pasta.