Chicken Pasta with Marinara

Short description

Chicken pasta with marinara is a classic Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and versatile meal that suits any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together protein-rich chicken, satisfying pasta, and a robust marinara sauce all in one pan. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable with herbs, cheese, and vegetables.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt & black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Yellow onion, diced
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side). Remove and rest.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until soft and fragrant. Add crushed red pepper if using.
5. Pour in marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the sauce.
7. Toss cooked pasta into the pan and stir to combine everything evenly.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes; Cook time: ~25 minutes; Total time: ~35 minutes
(Timing sourced from typical marinara chicken pasta recipes at thekitchn.com, delish.com, and allrecipes.com)

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• Add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Substitute marinara with arrabbiata or vodka sauce for a twist.
• Top with mozzarella and broil briefly for a baked version.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce until hot. Pasta can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes—cooked or rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

What kind of pasta is best?

Any short or long pasta works; penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni are popular choices.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes—add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinara.

Is it okay to use jarred sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works well; choose a quality brand for best results.

Can this be made ahead?

You can prepare the full dish and reheat before serving. It’s great for meal prep.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking during reheating.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze cooled portions in containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What cheese goes best on top?

Parmesan, mozzarella, or even ricotta work well depending on your taste.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit chicken and add roasted vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.

What goes well as a side?

Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli.

Conclusion

Chicken Pasta with Marinara is a timeless meal that combines comfort, nutrition, and convenience. With easy ingredients and plenty of room for customization, this dish fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners or hearty weekend meals.

Print