Description
This Quick and Easy 15-Minute Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender sautéed chicken breast with a flavorful medley of vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted cheese served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish offers a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep and cook time, ideal for busy households seeking a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pasta
- 3 cups cooked pasta (from 1.5 cups dry pasta)
- 2 cups salted water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta cooking water)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups of uncooked pasta and 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Cover the pot and allow the pasta to cook for approximately 10 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: 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 chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until lightly golden.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté the mixture until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, ensuring it is no longer pink inside.
- Add Marinara and Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce and cover the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Once the pasta finishes cooking, drain the water thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture in the pan. Mix everything well, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella or Italian blend cheese over the top. Turn off the heat and let the residual warmth melt the cheese naturally.
- Optional Broil: For a bubbly, golden cheese topping, place the pan briefly under the oven broiler until the cheese bubbles and browns to your liking.
- Serve: Top the dish with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken can reduce the cooking time further.
- You can substitute bell pepper with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
- Broiling the cheese is optional but adds a deliciously crispy texture to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on your preference and the saltiness of the marinara sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
