When I think of a delightfully fresh and comfort food, Chicken Marinara Pasta always comes to mind. Preparing this dish is a breeze, making it a favored choice on busy weeknights. It’s a fast, delicious, and truly family-friendly meal.
The dish combines tender pan-fried chicken breasts with a simple sauce seasoned perfectly with Italian seasonings. Each bite brings a taste of home-cooked perfection that appeals to all ages. Chicken Marinara Pasta is not just food but gives you an experience.
Ingredients for Chicken Marinara Pasta
- Chicken breast: 2 boneless chicken breasts that are cut into small cubes
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning,
- Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to give it a light crust.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the chicken coating and enriches the overall taste of the dish.
- Butter: Used for sautéing garlic.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a strong, aromatic flavor foundational to many Italian dishes.
- Pasta sauce: Acts as the main component of the dish’s sauce, enveloping the pasta and chicken.
- Parsley flakes and onion powder
- Pasta: Serves as the carbohydrate component.
- Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor that contrasts with the savory sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top, adding a gooey, stretchy texture and mild dairy flavor.
How to Prepare The Chicken Marinara Pasta
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
- First, Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, and onion powder together.
- Shake your container until the mixture is well combined. This creates a flavorful coating for the chicken. Toss them in the seasoned flour to coat evenly.
- In a skillet over medium high heat, melt some butter and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 2: Preparing the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, start on your pasta (or any pasta you have, they all work well). Follow the directions on the package for best results. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
- Lower the heat to low and add minced garlic to the skillet where the chicken was cooked. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer.
- Then, add the pasta back into the sauce and stir well to combine.
- Add Spoon full of ricotta cheese all over the saucy pasta for creamy bursts of flavor.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Top the pasta with the already cooked chicken and sprinkle over shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pop the skillet in the oven and bake at 400 degrees until the cheese is beautifully melted this usually takes just a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Accompany Chicken Marinara Pasta with breadsticks or crusty garlic bread. Pair with an Italian salad or spinach salad mixed with arugula and pine nuts. Side dishes like roasted garlic green beans, broccolini, or steamed peas are perfect for kids.
For More Recipes
– High Protein Chicken Alfredo
Is marinara sauce healthy
Absolutely! Its core ingredients, like tomatoes and olive oil, are known for their health benefits, making it a superb choice for those who cherish both taste and wellness.
Can You Enhance This Sauce with Vegetables
When I make marinara sauce for my chicken marinara pasta, I love to boost the nutrients and extend the meal by adding vegetables. My favorites are broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, peas, carrots, or even green beans. For a quick fix, I often use frozen mixed vegetables.
