When you need a fast and satisfying dinner, 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. This easy weeknight meal combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese into a comforting dish that’s ready in minutes. It’s a family-friendly recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- One easy meal the whole family enjoys
- Packed with protein and flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Easy to customize with vegetables and cheeses
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
- ¼ cup 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 package directions, about 10 minutes, until tender.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken into strips and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken strips, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted.
- If desired, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Top the 15 Minute Chicken Pasta with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken to make the recipe even faster.
- Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
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
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce brand.
- Add fresh basil for extra flavor and color.
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQ
Can I make 15 Minute Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and fusilli are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken saves even more time.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or marinara sauce, or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
15 Minute Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
- ¼ cup 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 package directions, about 10 minutes, until tender.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken into strips and chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken strips, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted.
- If desired, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Top the 15 Minute Chicken Pasta with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce brand.
- Add fresh basil for extra flavor and color.
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This 15 Minute Chicken Pasta is proof that a quick dinner can still be incredibly delicious. Tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese come together in one easy meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Keep this recipe in your weekly rotation whenever you need a fast, comforting dinner.