Easy Canned Chicken Recipes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

Canned Chicken Recipes: Quick & Creamy Dinner Idea

Ever found yourself staring at a pantry shelf with canned goods, wondering how to transform that humble can of chicken into something spectacular? You’re not alone. Many home cooks overlook this versatile protein source, missing out on quick, delicious meals that can be on the table in minutes.

If you’re searching for easy and fast recipes using canned chicken, this creamy 30-minute pasta is a perfect place to start.

These canned chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll discover that what can i make with canned chicken is limited only by your imagination.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite 30-minute canned chicken recipe that’s become a staple in my household – a delicious Creamy Canned Chicken Pasta that combines convenience with comfort food appeal.

Ingredients List

When it comes to canned chicken recipes, convenience doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor. These meals are great for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty dish with minimal effort.

Recommended Tool: Compact Food Processor for Quick Prep

To make chopping ingredients like onions and garlic faster and easier, consider using a compact food processor like the Hamilton Beach Mini Food Processor. It’s small enough for tight kitchens but powerful enough to handle most chopping and mixing tasks—saving you serious prep time.

• 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of premium chunk chicken breast, drained
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved, make a juicy alternative. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works surprisingly well, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, which is approximately 40% faster than traditional homemade pasta dishes that typically require 45-60 minutes. The time-saving comes primarily from using pre-cooked canned chicken that eliminates the need for raw meat preparation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Recommended Tool: Safe and Easy Can Opener

Opening canned chicken doesn’t have to be frustrating. The Gorilla Grip Manual Can Opener glides smoothly and leaves safe, clean edges—perfect for quickly prepping your canned proteins without the mess.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a secret ingredient that helps sauce cling to pasta if needed later.

Step 2: Start Your Sauce Base

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning, which would create a bitter taste.

Recommended Tool: Large Nonstick Pan for Sauces

For creamy sauces like this one, a reliable nonstick pan is key. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan heats evenly, has a comfortable handle, and is easy to clean—making it the perfect pan for this canned chicken pasta.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Add drained canned chicken to the skillet, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the aromatics.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add sun-dried tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Fold in the chopped spinach and let it wilt from the residual heat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this quick and satisfying canned chicken recipes creation.

Optional Tool: All-in-One Chopper for Easy Prep

If you cook often and want to speed things up, the Fullstar Vegetable Chopper is a game changer. It chops, slices, and even spiralizes—great for fast meal prep when working with multiple fresh ingredients.

Nutritional Information

This dish provides approximately 64% of your recommended daily protein intake, making it an excellent option for muscle recovery and satiety. The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates creates a balanced meal that provides sustained energy without causing blood sugar spikes.

For more information on nutrition and healthy substitutions, visit Healthline’s guide on protein-rich meals.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make this dish even healthier? Consider these modifications:

Substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for traditional pasta to increase fiber content and lower the glycemic index. Research shows whole grain pasta can contain up to 3 times more fiber than regular pasta.

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for a protein boost and significant calorie reduction. This swap can reduce the fat content by up to 70% while maintaining creaminess.

Double the vegetables by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase vitamin and mineral content. Adding an extra cup of vegetables can boost the dish’s antioxidant profile by approximately 30%.

Use low-sodium canned chicken and broth to reduce the overall sodium content, making this dish more heart-healthy. This simple change can lower sodium by up to 40%.

What Can I Make With Canned Chicken Besides Pasta?

If you’re wondering what can I make with canned chicken that goes beyond creamy pasta, try tacos, casseroles, or even chicken salad wraps. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with seasonings and veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this simple dish into a complete meal with these serving ideas:

Pair with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce. The acidity balances the dish perfectly.

Serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli that can be prepared in the oven while you make the pasta dish. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 15 minutes.

For a heartier meal, add a slice of garlic bread made by brushing sliced Italian bread with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs, then toasting until golden.

Create an elegant presentation by serving in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy appearance.

Looking for more quick, protein-packed pantry meals? Check out our Dense Bean Salad for a delicious, fiber-rich option that pairs perfectly with this creamy pasta.

Many canned chicken recipes can be enhanced with simple sides or fresh herbs, and this creamy pasta dish is no exception.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta – Always aim for al dente to prevent mushy pasta that won’t hold up in the sauce. Set a timer for 1-2 minutes less than package directions.
• Not draining the canned chicken properly – Excess liquid can make your sauce watery. Take the extra 30 seconds to drain thoroughly or even pat with paper towels.
• Boiling rather than simmering the cream sauce – High heat can cause cream to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer for a silky-smooth texture.
• Adding cold cheese to the hot sauce – This can create a grainy texture. Let grated cheese come to room temperature first or add it gradually while the sauce is off the heat.
• Skipping the resting time – Allowing the dish to sit for 2-3 minutes before serving lets flavors meld and sauce thicken to the perfect consistency.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This canned chicken recipes creation reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two servings even more delicious.

For best reheating results, add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. This prevents the sauce from separating and keeps the pasta from drying out.

While freezing is possible, cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider making the dish with a tomato-based sauce instead of cream for better freezer-to-table results.

This is just one of many delicious recipes using canned chicken that can turn basic pantry ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Prep components ahead of time by chopping onions and garlic and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. This simple step can save precious minutes during weeknight dinner preparation.

Keep exploring different canned chicken recipes by swapping ingredients, trying new herbs, or changing pasta types—you’ll find endless ways to bring variety to your dinner table.

Conclusion

With this quick and versatile canned chicken recipes in your culinary arsenal, you’ll never look at pantry staples the same way again. The combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition makes this 30-minute meal a game-changer for busy households.

Have you tried this creamy canned chicken pasta? I’d love to hear your variations and how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your creation on social media tagging #PantryPastaCreations. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick weeknight meals that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes!