Description
This Quick and Easy 15-minute Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for a speedy yet hearty meal. Tender strips of chicken are sautéed with bell pepper, onion, and garlic, then simmered in marinara sauce before being combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese, creating a comforting dish that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1/2 bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pasta
- 1.5 cups dry pasta (makes about 3 cups cooked)
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 the saucepan and cook the pasta for 10 minutes until al dente.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breasts, onion, and bell pepper by cutting them into strips and chopping respectively. Heat 1 tablespoon of 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. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until lightly golden. Add the chicken strips along with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Continue sautéing until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and cover the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Drain the cooked pasta well and add it directly to the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. Remove the pan from heat and add the mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, letting it melt from the residual heat. For an extra cheesy finish, optionally place the pan under the oven broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and delicious homemade chicken pasta!
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- You can substitute bell pepper with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variation.
- Using a heavy-duty pan helps to evenly cook the chicken and veggies.
- Broiling the cheese is optional but adds a lovely texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
