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.
