Chicken Pasta

Whenever I find myself in a rush but craving something delicious, I turn to my go-to recipe: Chicken Pasta. It’s amazing how a handful of ingredients can transform into a flavorful dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Instead, in just 15 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. One evening, after a particularly hectic day, I decided it was time to make my favorite Chicken Pasta. I pulled out my trusty skillet and got to work. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic filled my kitchen, and soon, I was ready to dig in. This dish has been a staple in my home, and I can confidently say it will become a favorite for you, too!

What to Buy for Chicken Pasta

When it comes to the ingredients for Chicken Pasta, simplicity is key. Each component works harmoniously together, creating a delightful meal. The star players here are fresh chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich marinara sauce that ties it all together.

• 2 chicken breasts, cut in strips: The protein that gives this dish its heartiness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the flavors of the vegetables.
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped: Brightens up the plate with color and crunch.
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its aromatic essence.
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt, pepper, & garlic powder: Essential seasonings to elevate the flavor.
• 1 cup marinara sauce: The luscious sauce that brings everything together.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, optional: For a finishing touch of salty richness.
• 3 cups cooked pasta, 1.5 cups dry pasta: The base of the dish; feel free to use your favorite shape!

How to Prepare Chicken Pasta

Preparing Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can master. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this delicious meal.

1. First, in a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. As the water begins to bubble, pour in 1.5 cups of uncooked pasta along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover it and let it cook for about 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be just al dente, so it holds up when combined with the other ingredients.

2. While the pasta is cooking, take your chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. The key here is to have everything prepped so that once the pasta is done, you can move quickly.

3. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until they start to soften. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious meal ahead.

4. Next, add the garlic to the mixture and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until it becomes lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

5. Now it’s time for the chicken. Toss in the strips and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through. You want to see a beautiful golden color on the outside.

6. Once the chicken is nearly done, pour in the marinara sauce and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook all the way through.

7. After 5 minutes, drain the water from the pasta and carefully add it to the chicken mixture. Using a spatula, mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.

8. Now, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and turn off the heat. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully. If you like a bubbly top, you can place the pan under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.

9. Finally, serve your Chicken Pasta topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

Tips for Success

Cooking Chicken Pasta can lead to some incredible meals with a few helpful tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Cooking chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Variations: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Chicken Pasta, there are plenty of delightful options to complement the meal!

• Garlic bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread goes perfectly with Chicken Pasta, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Vegetable sticks: Serve with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a healthy appetizer.
• Wine pairing: Although not recommended in the instructions, a chilled iced tea works wonderfully on a hot day.
• Potluck dish: This dish is perfect for potlucks; just double the recipe and watch it disappear!

FAQ

Conclusion

This Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in just 15 minutes. It’s not only easy to make, but it also appeals to the whole family with its delicious flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next quick dinner; it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food! Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is bursting with flavor. Tender chicken, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese come together in just 15 minutes. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts cut in strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 piece medium yellow onion chopped
• 1/2 piece bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional
• 3 cups cooked pasta 1.5 cups dry pasta

Equipment

• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Kitchen Knife
• Medium saucepan

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to boil, pour 1.5 cups of uncooked pasta and 1 tsp salt into the water. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, cut chicken breasts and, onion and bell peppers. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy-duty pan or pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes or until softened.
4. Add the garlic and sautee 30 seconds or until lightly golden.
5. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, & garlic powder and saute until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through.
6. Add the marinara sauce and allow to simmer for 5 minutes while the pan is covered.
7. After 5 minutes, drain the water from the pasta and pour pasta on the chicken mixture. Mix well, add the cheese and turn off.
8. The cheese will melt from the heat of the pan. If desired, broil the cheese under the broiler in the oven until bubbly.
9. Top with Parmesan and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.

Previous PostAir Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

Next Post Better Than Takeout Mongolian Chicken

Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.