Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food but pressed for time, you’re going to adore this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those go-to dishes I rely on when the day gets away from me but I still want something hearty and satisfying on the table fast. With tender chicken, melty cheese, and a rich marinara sauce all tossed with pasta, this recipe hits all the right spots—and it’s done in about 15 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new favorite weeknight lifesaver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe is how the ingredients harmonize to create a comforting yet fresh dish. Plus, these basics make shopping easy, and the short list means you’ll spend less time prepping and more time enjoying.

• Chicken breasts: Using strips cooks faster and ensures each bite is tender and juicy. Fresh is best, but frozen works fine if you thaw properly.
• Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and prevents the chicken from drying out while you cook.
• Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness when sautéed—go for a medium-sized one for balance.
• Bell pepper: I like red or yellow for a pop of color and sweetness, but green works too.
• Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp here—they build flavor and give the sauce a nice kick.
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: These basic seasonings highlight the ingredients without overpowering them.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you have extra time; it’s the heart of the dish.
• Mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top adds that salty, nutty finishing touch I always crave.
• Pasta: I recommend a sturdy shape like penne or rotini—they hold the sauce well, but any pasta you love will work.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your mood or pantry. Don’t hesitate to tweak it—you’re probably going to come up with your own spin after the first try.

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition, and my family hardly notices! It’s a great way to sneak in greens.
• Sauce Swap: For a creamier version, try using Alfredo sauce or a mixture of cream and garlic instead of marinara—trust me, it’s indulgent but still quick.
• Spice it Up: Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving gives the dish a lovely kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta—I’ve had great results with brown rice or chickpea pasta varieties.

How to Make Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing 2 cups of salted water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pasta and 1 teaspoon of salt, then cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes. I like to use a timer here because overcooked pasta will get mushy once mixed with the sauce. While the pasta’s cooking, you can move on to the next step—this multitasking saves you so much time.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Chicken

While the pasta is bubbling away, slice your chicken breasts into strips, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a sturdy pan. Toss in the onion and bell pepper first, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden—this only takes about 30 seconds. Next, add your chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken has a nice sear and is almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. The key here is not to overcrowd the pan; if your chicken pieces are touching, they’ll steam instead of brown.

Step 3: Simmer with Marinara

Once the chicken looks good, pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This lets the chicken finish cooking while the flavors meld beautifully. Try not to skip this step—it’s where the magic really happens. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your pasta and get ready for the final mix.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Drain the pasta once it’s done, then add it directly to the pan with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir so every strand or piece gets coated in the saucy goodness. Sprinkle the mozzarella or Italian blend cheese on top and turn off the heat. The residual warmth will melt the cheese perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, I sometimes pop the entire pan briefly under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and browns just a bit—super comforting and impressive!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Don’t forget the optional Parmesan cheese sprinkle before serving—it adds that extra depth of flavor that I always crave. Now, dig in and enjoy a fast, tasty, and satisfying meal you can whip up any day of the week.

How to Serve Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m all about fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top for a bright, herbaceous note. A little extra drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving takes it over the edge. And if you like a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes add great contrast.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a crisp side salad—something light and dressed with lemon vinaigrette—to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side also pairs beautifully and fills out the meal perfectly. If you want veggies, roasted broccoli or a simple sautéed green like kale works super well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this in deep pasta bowls with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a sprig of fresh herb on top. You could also turn it into a pasta bake by layering in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden—always a hit at family dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes the next day’s meal tastes even better. Just be sure to cool it fully before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I’ve done this when meal prepping for busy weeks, and it holds up pretty well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. Stir frequently to keep the cheese creamy and avoid scorching. If you want to refresh the bubbly cheese texture, a quick zap under the broiler for a minute or two works wonders.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to whenever my schedule gets busy but I want to treat myself to something homemade, comforting, and delicious without the hassle. I adore how the flavors come together in such a short time, and how easy it is to adapt or dress up depending on what I have around. I honestly can’t recommend this enough—give it a try and see how fast dinner can turn into a favorite meal in your home too. You’ll thank yourself!

Print