What Wine Goes with Chicken and Pasta? 10 Best Wines

If you’re having chicken and pasta for dinner, you might be wondering what kind of wine to serve.

Here are 10 great wines that go well with chicken and pasta dishes.

From a light, refreshing white wine to a full-bodied red wine, there’s something for everyone.

And if you’re not sure which wine to choose, just ask your local wine store for their recommendations.

What Wine Goes with Chicken and Pasta? 10 Best Wines

You can think of your favorite chicken and pasta dish as a blank canvas.

The right wine can enhance the flavors of the dish and take it to the next level.

There are a number of great wines that go well with chicken and pasta, and I’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine comes with dark fruit flavors and savory tastes (think: blackberry, plum, and pepper).

It’s a full-bodied wine, which means it’s perfect for rich pasta dishes or chicken with a lot of flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving this wine with food, let it breathe for about 15-20 minutes before you pour. This will help bring out the flavors even more.

2. Merlot

Merlot is loved for it’s boisterous black cherry flavors and chocolatey finish – making it a great choice to pair with rich, tomato-based pasta dishes.

It’s also a versatile wine that can stand up to heartier proteins like chicken or steak.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving Merlot with food, look for a bottle that has “reserve” on the label. This means the wine is of higher quality and will be more expensive, but it will also taste better.

3. Airén

This wine is quite tasty and pleasant, easy to drink, though not ‘elegant’ or ‘complex’ (but then, not all wines need to be).

I like to serve it with pasta and chicken, or really any light meal.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find Airén, try a Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc instead.

4. Tempranillo

Cherry and dried fig are the most prevalent flavors in Tempranillo wines.

I like to serve this wine with pasta and chicken dishes because it can stand up to heartier flavors without being too overwhelming.

Pro Tip: When serving a Tempranillo, make sure to let it breathe for at least 20 minutes before drinking. This will help soften the tannins and allow the true flavors of the wine to shine through.

5. Chardonnay

Chardonnay needs no introduction – it’s one of the most popular white wines for a reason.

It’s versatile, it pairs well with a lot of different foods, and it has a relatively neutral flavor that makes it easy to drink.

I like to serve Chardonnay with pasta and chicken because the acidity in the wine helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Chardonnay, try wines from Chile or Argentina.

6. Syrah

Syrah has dark fruit flavors from sweet blueberry to savory black olive.

It’s a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of food, but I especially like it with pasta and chicken.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an affordable Syrah, try one from California.

7. Garnacha

The unmistakable candied fruit roll-up and cinnamon flavor of this Spanish Grenache make it a go-to wine for me, especially when I’m serving pasta or chicken.

It’s also a great value – you can usually find it for around $10.

Pro Tip: When serving this wine, I like to let it breathe for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying.

8. Sauvignon Blanc

The primary fruit flavors of Sauvignon Blanc are lime, green apple, passion fruit and white peach (depending on where it’s from).

I find that Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand are some of the most crisp and refreshing, while French Sauvignon Blancs tend to be a bit more subtle.

This is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, but I especially like it with pasta or chicken.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, go for a Sauvignon Blanc. On average, this style of wine has about 100 calories per glass.

9. Trebbiano Toscano

This wine usually has a high acidity and a rather neutral flavor profile, making it a versatile food wine.

I like to serve it with pasta and chicken dishes because it doesn’t compete with the flavors of the food.

Pro Tip: If you want to bring out the fruity flavors of this wine, pair it with a dish that has citrus notes.

10. Pinot Noir

Typically, Pinot Noir is dry, light- to medium-bodied, with bright acidity and subtle tannins.

It has aromas of red and dark fruits, like cherries and strawberries, as well as earthy notes like mushrooms.

I find that it pairs especially well with pasta dishes that have a light tomato sauce, as well as chicken dishes.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, go for a Pinot Noir. It’s versatile and pairs well with a lot of different foods.

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