Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe is a simple and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of chicken are sautéed with aromatic garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 1.5 cups dry pasta (yields approx. 3 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 of salt. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes until al dente.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until lightly golden. Then add the chicken strips along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Sauté until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Simmer with Marinara Sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and add the pasta directly into the pan with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese over the top, then turn off the heat so the cheese melts from residual warmth. For a bubbly cheese topping, optionally place the pan under a broiler for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Top with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 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 during the sauté step.
- Broiling the cheese is optional but adds 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, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, weeknight dinner, chicken marinara pasta, cheesy chicken pasta
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/quick-chicken-pasta-recipe/