If you are craving a dish that balances speed and incredible flavor, this 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute lifesaver. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests, it combines tender chicken strips, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious marinara sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan makes every bite irresistibly cheesy and comforting, proving that quick meals can be genuinely delicious without any shortcuts on taste. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to when you want dinner on the table fast but still crave a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, bringing together different textures and flavors that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser. Each element plays a role in building a perfectly balanced plate of chicken pasta that’s hearty, colorful, and satisfying.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into strips for quick and even cooking while staying tender.
- Olive oil: Adds a fragrant base to sauté the veggies and chicken, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- Yellow onion: Brings a gentle sweetness that softens and blends beautifully into the sauce.
- Bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild crunch, giving freshness to every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse a robust and aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, providing tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts beautifully into the pasta for gooey, luscious texture and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a sharp, nutty finishing touch when sprinkled on top.
- Dry pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne or rotini work great—to soak up the sauce and cheese perfectly.
How to Make 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1.5 cups of dry pasta along with a teaspoon of salt, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente. This simple step sets the foundation for your dish — perfectly cooked pasta that will soak up all the savory flavors later on.
Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is bubbling away, chop your chicken breasts, onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized strips and pieces. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds just until it turns lightly golden—this quick sauté enhances the depth of every spoonful.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the chicken strips to the pan along with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir frequently as you cook, allowing the chicken to brown beautifully and cook nearly through. This step locks in flavor and gives your chicken a lovely texture that complements the pasta perfectly.
Step 4: Simmer with the Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and vegetables, giving it a good mix. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors can blend harmoniously. The sauce gets a chance to thicken slightly and infuse the chicken with that delicious tomato goodness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
When the sauce is ready, drain your cooked pasta and add it directly into the pan with the chicken mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with sauce. Then sprinkle mozzarella or your favorite Italian blend cheese on top and turn off the heat—the residual warmth will melt the cheese into a rich, creamy layer. For a bubbly golden finish, pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two if you like.
Step 6: Add Final Touches and Serve
Finally, sprinkle a touch of Parmesan cheese over the top to add a salty, sharp contrast. Grab your fork, and dive into this beautiful dish that’s as satisfying as it is quick to prepare.
How to Serve 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten and elevate this already delightful 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe. Consider adding chopped basil or parsley to bring a fresh take, or a few red pepper flakes if you prefer a little kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil rounds everything off with a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads to lighten the meal or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the flavors perfectly, making for a colorful, balanced dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the pasta straight from the pan and let everyone help themselves—warm and inviting! Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprig of fresh herbs on top for a restaurant-worthy feel. You could even stuff the cooked pasta mixture into bell peppers and bake them for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop further as it sits, making for an easy, tasty lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Just remember to slightly undercook the pasta initially to avoid mushiness after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to revive that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe is very versatile. Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti work beautifully, just cook according to package directions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats quickly. Preparing large batches on the weekend saves precious time during busy weekdays.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The flavors will remain just as delicious and satisfying.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
You can use any tomato-based pasta sauce you love, or even make a quick homemade version using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to keep this dish fresh and vibrant.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them during the sautéing step to soften.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes yet doesn’t sacrifice any of the hearty, homemade taste. This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of gem, and I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself. Whether it becomes your weeknight savior or a quick crowd-pleaser, I promise this dish will bring warmth and smiles to your dinner table with every delicious bite.
Print
15 Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and flavorful 15-minute Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender sautéed chicken strips with sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Pan Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon 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
- 1.5 cups dry pasta (yields about 3 cups cooked)
- 2 cups salted water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Boil 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. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into strips, and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: 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 to 2 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan along with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté the chicken until browned and almost cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the chicken and sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella or Italian blend cheese over the pasta mixture and turn off the heat, allowing the cheese to melt from the residual warmth.
- Optional Broil: For a bubbly cheese topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and broil under the oven broiler until the cheese is golden and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy your quick and comforting chicken pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the bell pepper with any other vegetable like zucchini or mushrooms for variation.
- If you prefer, use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- The optional broiling step enhances the cheese but can be skipped for a quicker meal.
- This recipe pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Use whole wheat pasta if you prefer a healthier, higher fiber option.
