Delicious Chicken Tenderloin Recipes With Pasta

A delicious plate of chicken tenderloin fettuccine alfredo garnished with parsley.

Ever feel like life moves at the speed of light and you’re just one step behind? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there—dragging ourselves out of bed in the morning, running on coffee fumes, and telling ourselves we’ll cook a decent meal “tomorrow.” But the truth is, the little decisions we make daily add up. That’s why I’m here to share chicken tenderloin recipes with pasta that simplify dinner and pack a punch. These dishes are quick, satisfying, and make you feel like a pro in the kitchen—without the hours spent.

The Secret to Easy and Flavorful Meals

Most recipes out there assume you have endless time to spend in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: you don’t. I know how it feels to work all day, only to come home and realize your dinner options are either takeout or bland leftovers. But there’s hope. With just a few simple ingredients and some smart tips, you can create chicken tenderloin pasta dishes that not only save you time but also bring back the joy of eating at home.

Here’s what’s inside my full eBook:

  • Easy-to-follow chicken tenderloin recipes with pasta that deliver big on flavor.
  • Time-saving cooking tips for weeknight meals.
  • Secrets to making these meals a staple in your household.

For now, I’ll share some of my go-to recipes to give you a taste of what’s possible.

Recipe #1: Creamy Garlic Chicken Tenderloin with Pasta

Ingredients for creamy garlic chicken tenderloin pasta laid out on a kitchen counter.

I know what you’re thinking: “Another pasta dish? Really?” But this isn’t your average pasta dinner. This creamy garlic chicken tenderloin pasta is my savior on nights when I want to feel like I’m eating at a cozy Italian bistro without ever leaving home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken tenderloins with salt and black pepper and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Return the chicken tenderloins to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
A skillet with creamy garlic chicken tenderloins.

Why It Works: Chicken tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for busy nights. The rich, garlicky cream sauce clings to the fettuccine, creating a dish that feels indulgent without the effort.

Personal Note: I came up with this recipe during one of my busiest workweeks. Between meetings, deadlines, and trying to get a quick workout in, dinner always felt like an afterthought. This recipe changed that. It’s now a family favorite and has saved me from countless takeout orders.

Recipe #2: Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Pasta

A serving of lemon herb chicken tenderloin pasta garnished with fresh basil.

If you’re craving something lighter but still bursting with flavor, this one’s for you:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 8 oz linguine
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the linguine according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken tenderloins with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
  3. Add the lemon juice to the skillet and toss the chicken tenderloins to coat.
  4. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until well mixed.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Why It Works: The bright lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced, refreshing dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a dash of red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper if you’re in the mood for a little kick.

Quick Tips for Making These Recipes a Regular Part of Your Routine

What’s the secret to making these meals your go-to?

Prepped ingredients for chicken tenderloin pasta: marinated chicken, chopped garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
  • Meal Prep Basics: Marinate your chicken tenderloins ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to cook, you’re already halfway there.
    • You can also easily just get a bag of frozen chicken tenderloins from the market, defrost it a few hours ahead of time, and then have the vegetables and herbs ready, washed, and chopped.
  • Double Up: Make extra servings to enjoy as lunch the next day. These pasta dishes reheat well and keep their flavor. Beyond 2-3 days I would even recommend enclosing these leftovers in containers and stored in the freezer so you have your own frozen dinner ready to heat up later.
    • To eat again, you would just put it in the refrigerator to defrost the day before.
  • Mindset Shift: Cooking doesn’t need to be a stressful task. Robert Greene once said that mastery is achieved through simplicity and repetition. Master these recipes, and you’ll transform your dinner routine from a chore to a source of pride.

Pasta the Point of No Return

Sorry not sorry for the cheesy pun. Wait! Don’t click off yet! The beauty of these chicken tenderloin recipes with pasta is how they make dinner simple and enjoyable again. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to your time in the kitchen and the delicious results that follow.

Want more chicken tenderloin recipes with pasta? Sign up below to get the full eBook packed with recipes, cooking tips, and tricks to make meal prep seamless and rewarding.