Description
This Quick Chicken Pasta recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken strips are sautéed with garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then simmered in marinara sauce and combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with melty mozzarella and optional Parmesan cheese, it comes together quickly for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dry and Dairy
- 1.5 cups dry pasta (yields approx. 3 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus 1 teaspoon for pasta water)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups of uncooked pasta along with 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, then drain the water.
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into strips and chop the onion and bell pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-duty pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan along with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken mixture. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle mozzarella or Italian blend cheese over the top. Turn off the heat so the cheese melts gently with the residual heat. Optionally, place the pan under a broiler for a few minutes to achieve a bubbly golden cheese crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired and serve immediately while warm and delicious.
Notes
- Use any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli for best results.
- For extra veggies, add mushrooms or spinach in step 2.
- Broiling the cheese is optional but creates a lovely golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Quick chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, stovetop pasta recipe, chicken marinara pasta