Best Chicken Marinara Pasta Recipe: Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution

This quick and delicious chicken marinara pasta recipe is my go-to weeknight dinner solution. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal fast.

With tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Best Chicken Marinara Pasta

Quick, delicious, and satisfying ingredients come together for a weeknight dinner winner.

The marinara sauce is key here. Rao’s or Prego are solid jarred options if you’re short on time. Making your own? San Marzano tomatoes are worth the splurge. For the chicken, boneless breasts work best—just be sure to pound them thin for even cooking. Most grocery stores carry pre-cut chicken tenders which save time.

No penne? Other short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni work great too. Want more heat? Bump up the red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños. The Parmesan needs to be real Parmigiano-Reggiano—the kind that comes in a wedge, not pre-shredded. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color at the end.

This dish reheats beautifully—keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. The pasta can be cooked ahead and refrigerated separately, just reheat in boiling water for a minute to refresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Marinara Pasta

Here’s the straightforward method that delivers a delicious weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil using 1 tsp Salt. Add the 12 oz Penne Pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce later.

I always check the pasta at the 8-minute mark by tasting a piece. It should still have a bit of bite but not be crunchy. If it’s not quite there, check again in 30 seconds. Properly cooked pasta makes all the difference in this dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Breast to Golden Brown

While the pasta cooks, heat 0.25 cup Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Chicken Breast cut into bite-sized pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a minute before proceeding. This step ensures juicy chicken that doesn’t dry out when mixed with the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet, add the 4 cloves minced Garlic Cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it should be lightly golden and aromatic. Then add the 2 cups Marinara Sauce, 1 tsp Dried Basil, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes. Stir to combine.

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If using jarred sauce, this step enhances its flavor. If using homemade, it allows the flavors to deepen.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The pasta should be well coated but not swimming in sauce.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta. This ensures every bite has both protein and sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese until melted and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Transfer the chicken marinara pasta to serving plates. Garnish with 0.25 cup chopped Fresh Parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious weeknight dinner.

Pro Cooking Tips for This Dish

Perfect Pasta Cooking

Cooking pasta just right is crucial. I always check at the 8-minute mark for doneness. The pasta should be al dente—firm to the bite but not crunchy. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; it helps create a silky sauce later.

Chicken Cooking Tips

For juicy chicken, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a minute before mixing with the sauce. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out. I prefer cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Sauce Enhancement

Simmer the marinara sauce for 2-3 minutes after adding garlic and herbs. This step deepens the flavor and melds the ingredients together. If using jarred sauce, this enhances its taste. For homemade sauce, it allows the flavors to develop further. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Combining Ingredients

Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the marinara sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. The pasta should be well coated but not swimming in sauce. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. This ensures every bite has both protein and sauce. 🔥

Finishing Touches

Stir in 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese off the heat until melted and creamy. The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, garnish with 0.25 cup chopped Fresh Parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently Asked Questions