Name: Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1/2 bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1.5 cups dry pasta (yields approx. 3 cups cooked); 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

I’m genuinely excited to share this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. It’s super simple but never boring – the combination of tender chicken, garlic-kissed veggies, and a saucy pasta really hits the spot without keeping you tied to the stove. If you’ve ever needed dinner in a flash that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this recipe is your new best friend.

What makes this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe stand out for me is how adaptable it is. I love that the ingredients are easy to find and the steps straightforward, but you still get that cozy, comforting result that feels homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just yourself after a long day, this recipe always delivers that “Yes, this is exactly what I wanted” feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients balance each other beautifully – the chicken provides hearty protein, while the veggies and pasta bring texture and comfort. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality marinara for the best flavor kick.

Chicken breasts: Using chicken breast strips cooks quickly and evenly, making dinner come together faster.
Olive oil: Extra virgin is best for flavor and sautéing veggies gently.
Yellow onion: It adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and mild crunch; feel free to use whatever color you like.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a flavor game-changer here – it’s fragrant and aromatic.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, but adjust to taste to make it your own.
Garlic powder: This packs an extra punch of garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
Marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality sauce or homemade if you have time – it’s the heart of this dish.
Dry pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook quickly.
Mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish that I love sprinkling on top at serving.

Variations

I find that personalizing this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe is half the fun! Whether you want to bump up the veggies or adjust it for your diet, there’s plenty of room to play around.

Veggie-packed: I often toss in mushrooms or fresh spinach along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor – it makes the dish even more vibrant.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce really livens things up if you like a bit of heat.
Low-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash if you’re avoiding grains.
Dairy-free: Use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella for a creamy texture without dairy.
Herb boost: Fresh basil or oregano added just before serving brings a garden-fresh flavor that brightens the dish.

How to Make Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Bring about two cups of salted water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add your chosen 1.5 cups of dry pasta plus a teaspoon of salt. Cover it to speed things up and cook for roughly 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente – tender but with a tiny bite to it. If you overcook it now, it’ll turn mushy once mixed with sauce, so keep an eye on it and maybe taste a piece a minute or two before the timer.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Brown the Chicken

While your pasta simmers, slice the chicken breasts into strips and chop the onion and bell pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper and sauté until just softened, about 1-2 minutes—this helps bring out their natural sweetness without losing crunch. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and just turning golden – be careful not to burn it! Now, add chicken strips and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and almost cooked through – about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce, give it a good stir, and cover the pan to let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes. This final simmer lets the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken finishes cooking evenly. You’ll want this sauce to be thick and rich, so if it seems too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a bit longer until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese

When the pasta is done, drain it well and immediately add it to the pan with your chicken and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly so every noodle gets some saucy goodness. Sprinkle your mozzarella or Italian blend cheese on top, then turn off the heat – the residual warmth will melt the cheese beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, pop the pan under your broiler for a couple of minutes until the top is bubbly and golden for that irresistible cheesy crust. Just watch it closely to prevent burning!

Step 5: Serve with Parmesan and Enjoy!

Finally, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese if you like that extra layer of flavor and saltiness. Serve it up hot and watch everyone dig in. The blend of tender chicken, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a bowl of comfort that you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

A black round pan filled with baked penne pasta mixed with pieces of white chicken and covered with a layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with some bubbly spots, topped with scattered chopped green herbs. The penne pasta is orange-red from the sauce beneath the cheese. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually add a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley right on top – it adds a pop of color and brightness that contrasts the rich sauce. Sometimes a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice finishing touch. Parmesan cheese is a must-have in my book for that savory punch.

Side Dishes

Since the pasta feels like a full meal, I keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly, or some garlic bread if I’m looking for extra comfort. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I like serving this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe dishes, then broiling the cheese right at the table for a bubbly, golden finish that always impresses guests. You can also layer it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top and bake for a cozy baked pasta vibe. It’s surprisingly versatile for both quick family dinners and more festive occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have go into an airtight container and into the fridge right away – they usually last up to three days without any loss in flavor or texture. I find it’s best to store the pasta and sauce together rather than separately, so the flavors keep melding. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta works well if you want to batch cook. I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers, but I usually skip adding cheese until reheating, since melted cheese can sometimes separate when frozen. When thawed and heated properly, the flavors taste just as fresh as the day I made it.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover pasta in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up and avoid drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep it evenly heated. You can always add a little fresh cheese on top when reheating for that melty, comforting touch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just chop them into strips as you would with the breasts and adjust cooking time – they might take a minute or two longer to brown thoroughly.
What’s the best pasta to use for a Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe?

I recommend short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli because their curves and tubes hold the sauce well. This way, every bite is flavorful, and the texture is perfect. But if you only have spaghetti, that works too – just consider cutting it for easier eating.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are needed.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish without changing the cooking time too much?

Great question! Adding chopped mushrooms or fresh spinach during the sauté step works well. Mushrooms can be added with the onion and bell pepper, while spinach is best stirred in right before adding the sauce since it wilts very quickly.
Is broiling the cheese necessary?

Not at all! Broiling is optional but it adds a lovely bubbly, golden crust that’s hard to resist. If you prefer your cheese just melted, turning off the heat after sprinkling the cheese is perfectly fine and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and effortless — exactly what I look for in a weeknight meal. I hope you find it as easy and satisfying as I do, especially on those nights when you want something nourishing without the fuss. Give it a try, tweak it to suit your tastes, and I bet it’ll soon be one of your go-to dinners too!