Shreybae kitchen

Making healthy food and drinks at home

Subscribe

Chicken Marinara & Mozzarella Pasta 

I’m not the best at making pasta, but I’m working on learning how to overcome this challenge. I’m inspired by all the herbs I am currently growing. Any Italian dish listed here is at least using 1-2 organic herbs grown from home (basil, mint, cilantro)! Keep reading for a easy pasta recipe you can enjoy with a glass of wine. This is easy to meal prep and saves time on cooking too.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (about 225g) rotini pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  3. Make the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta.
  5. Add Mozzarella and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the Rotini Chicken Marinara & Mozzarella Pasta hot, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

This dish is a delicious combination of tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.