Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Quick Chicken Pasta recipe is a flavorful and fast meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips sautéed with garlic, onion, and bell pepper are simmered in marinara sauce and combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella and optional Parmesan for a cheesy, comforting finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 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

  1. 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 salt. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, then drain the water.
  2. Prepare vegetables and chicken: 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 the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until lightly golden.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken strips along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the pan. Sauté until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
  4. Add marinara and simmer: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken mixture. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
  6. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the mozzarella or Italian blend cheese evenly over the pasta and chicken mixture. Turn off the heat and allow the residual warmth to melt the cheese. For a bubbly golden topping, optionally place the pan under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve: Top with 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 in step 2.
  • 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: chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, easy pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, weeknight meals, Italian pasta