Chicken Marinara Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of Italian-American cuisine. This simple dinner idea combines tender pan-fried chicken with a rich, homemade tomato-based sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first plate.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this easy Italian recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, Chicken Marinara isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience that’ll transport you straight to the heart of Italy. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of this mouthwatering pasta recipe.
Easy Chicken Marinara Pasta
This quick and easy dinner is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of Chicken Marinara lies in its simplicity – a handful of quality ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors. It’s the kind of family dinner recipe that’ll have everyone gathering around the table with smiles on their faces.
What sets this homemade version apart from restaurant offerings is the control you have over the ingredients. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, choose the best quality chicken and pasta, and even sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeling health-conscious. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy this Italian comfort food whenever the craving strikes, without having to leave your house or wait for delivery.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To create this healthy pasta dish, you’ll need some key ingredients. Here’s a handy table to guide you:
| Main Ingredients | Sauce Ingredients | Seasonings |
| Penne pasta | San Marzano tomatoes | Italian seasoning |
| Chicken breast | Olive oil | Dried oregano |
| Fresh basil | Minced garlic | Red pepper flakes |
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. This simple skillet meal is flexible and allows for substitutions. If you’re out of penne, any pasta shape will do. No chicken breast? Try using chicken thighs or even turkey for a different twist. Vegetarians can swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or eggplant to keep that satisfying texture.
When it comes to the homemade marinara sauce, canned whole tomatoes are ideal, but crushed or diced tomatoes work in a pinch. If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought marinara can be your secret weapon for an even quicker meal. Just remember, the fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant your final dish will be.
What is marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce is the heart and soul of many Italian dishes, and it’s what gives our Chicken Marinara Pasta its distinctive flavor. This tomato-based sauce originated in Naples, Italy, and has since become a staple in kitchens around the world. Unlike more complex sauces, marinara is prized for its simplicity and fresh taste.
The key components of a classic marinara are tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It’s a sauce that lets the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes shine through, complemented by the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs. In Italian-American cuisine, marinara has evolved to become a versatile base for many dishes, from pasta to pizza, and of course, our beloved Chicken Marinara.
Marinara with canned whole tomatoes?
Using canned whole tomatoes for your homemade marinara sauce might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a pro move. Whole San Marzano tomatoes are often of higher quality than their pre-crushed counterparts, as they’re processed at peak ripeness and maintain their fresh flavor better. Breaking them down yourself allows you to control the texture of your sauce.
To use whole tomatoes, simply crush them by hand or use a potato masher once they’re in the pot.
This method gives your sauce a rustic texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender after cooking. Can’t find whole tomatoes? Don’t stress. Crushed or diced tomatoes will still make a delicious marinara, just with a slightly different texture.
Should you add sugar to homemade marinara sauce?
The debate over adding sugar to marinara sauce is as old as the recipe itself. Some swear by a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while purists argue it’s unnecessary. The truth is, it depends on your tomatoes and personal taste. If you’re using high-quality, ripe tomatoes, you might not need any added sweetness at all.
Instead of reaching for the sugar bowl, try these alternative methods to balance the acidity: Add a grated carrot to the sauce as it simmers – it’ll dissolve and add natural sweetness. Or, use a splash of good balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. It adds depth and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the tomato flavor. Remember, the goal is to enhance the natural flavors, not mask them.
How To Make Chicken Marinara Pasta
Creating this quick family meal is easier than you might think. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add your San Marzano tomatoes, crushing them as they go into the pan.
Stir in dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Let this simmer while you cook your pasta in a separate pot of salted water.
While the sauce is bubbling away, season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. In another pan, cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Slice it into strips once it’s cool enough to handle.
When the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the marinara sauce, tossing to coat. Finally, add your sliced chicken and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Give it a final stir and voila! Your Chicken Marinara Pasta is ready to serve.
Variations
One of the best things about this simple dinner idea is how easy it is to customize. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Craving something spicier? Double up on the red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick.
For a creamier twist on this Italian comfort food, stir in a dollop of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream just before serving. It’ll give your dish a luxurious texture without overpowering the bright tomato flavor.
And don’t forget about pasta options – while penne is classic, this sauce works beautifully with spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, consider serving your Chicken Marinara Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors will complement the rich pasta perfectly.
A piece of crusty garlic bread on the side is ideal for soaking up any extra sauce – because trust us, you won’t want to leave a drop behind.
For wine enthusiasts, a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce. If you prefer white, a crisp Pinot Grigio can cut through the richness of the dish.
And don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few torn basil leaves on top will elevate your presentation from homey to restaurant-worthy.
Storage & Reheating
This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
For longer storage, you can freeze your Chicken Marinara Pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To maintain the best texture, consider slightly undercooking the pasta if you know you’ll be freezing it. This way, it won’t become mushy when you reheat it. With proper storage, you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime the craving strikes.
More Easy Pasta Recipes with Chicken
If you’ve fallen in love with this Chicken Marinara Pasta, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a whole world of easy pasta recipes with chicken waiting to be explored. Why not try a creamy Chicken Alfredo next time? Or for a lighter option, a Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta might hit the spot.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata could be your next kitchen adventure. And let’s not forget the classic Chicken Parmesan – it’s like our Chicken Marinara, but with an irresistible cheesy crust.
Each of these dishes brings its own unique flavors to the table while still capturing that comforting essence of pasta and chicken that we all love. So go ahead, expand your pasta repertoire and treat your taste buds to something new.
Meta Discaption
Discover the art of Chicken Marinara Pasta with our simple steps. A quick, delicious family meal that brings Italian comfort to your table.
