Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner that saves busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. It combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in one comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is perfect when you need something warm, hearty, and simple. The chicken stays juicy, the sauce is rich and savory, and the melted cheese makes every bite extra satisfying. It is also easy to customize with pantry staples, making it a reliable dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
- 3 cups cooked pasta, or 1 1/2 cups dry pasta
- Water, for boiling pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the dry pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the chicken mixture. Stir well so the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Add the mozzarella or Italian blend cheese and turn off the heat. The cheese will melt into the Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta from the warmth of the pan.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using, and serve warm. For a bubbly top, broil briefly in the oven before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster version.
- Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work especially well.
- Cut the chicken into even strips so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Swap bell pepper for mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a different flavor.
- Use a shredded Italian cheese blend for extra richness.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, nut-free
Notes
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, or try gluten-free pasta if needed. Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add gentle heat if you like a little spice.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge for an easy reheatable dinner.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells all hold the sauce well and cook quickly.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add cooked chicken after sautéing the vegetables, then continue with the sauce.
How do I make it creamier?
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of cooking cream at the end.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or diced tomatoes work well in this easy chicken pasta recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild marinara sauce and melted cheese make it very appealing for children.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional
- 3 cups cooked pasta or 1 1/2 cups dry pasta
- Water for boiling pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the dry pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the chicken mixture. Stir well so the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Add the mozzarella or Italian blend cheese and turn off the heat. The cheese will melt into the Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta from the warmth of the pan.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using, and serve warm. For a bubbly top, broil briefly in the oven before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is a dependable meal for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. It is cozy, flavorful, and simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to make again and again.