Need a quick and satisfying dinner? This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. Tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella come together with perfectly cooked pasta in one easy meal. Ready in about 15 minutes, this family-friendly recipe delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and filling. It uses simple pantry ingredients, cooks quickly, and requires very little cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting meal that both kids and adults will love.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping lunches for the week, this easy chicken pasta recipe is a dependable favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (about 1½ cups dry pasta)
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken strips, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and gently stir until melted.
- If desired, transfer the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut the chicken into thin strips so it cooks quickly.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
- Finish with fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
This recipe is perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Try using penne, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni for the best texture.
Leftover rotisserie chicken can also be used to make this meal even faster.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Simply add the cooked chicken when you add the marinara sauce and reduce the cooking time.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, and farfalle all hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze Chicken Pasta?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How do I make it creamier?
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese after adding the marinara sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, peas, and cherry tomatoes all work well.
Storage
Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave until heated through.
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15 Minute Chicken Pasta – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 3 cups cooked pasta about 1½ cups dry pasta
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken strips, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and gently stir until melted.
- If desired, transfer the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is proof that delicious homemade dinners don’t have to take hours. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in one comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this quick chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become part of your regular meal rotation.