Are you a chicken lover looking for new ways to spice up your meals? Or perhaps you’re a pasta aficionado seeking inspiration for a quick and easy dinner? Whatever your culinary style, we’ve got you covered with these 18 flavorful chicken and marinara recipes that are perfect for every occasion. From classic comfort food to modern twists on old favorites, our collection of chicken and marinara dishes is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a party host seeking a crowd-pleasing main course, these recipes are designed to satisfy. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, so you can focus on enjoying the time with family and friends rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering chicken and marinara recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From pasta bakes to skillet dinners, and from stuffed peppers to pizza nights, there’s something for everyone. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake
Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this bold and flavorful Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake! This recipe combines the classic Italian flavors of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and tangy tomato sauce with a spicy kick from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, heat marinara sauce over medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is heated through.
4. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Marinara Skillet
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this one-pan wonder, combining juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, and savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil; cook chicken until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken; set aside. Add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in marinara sauce; stir to combine with garlic.
5. Return chicken to skillet; add heavy cream and dried oregano.
6. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara with Mozzarella
Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara with Mozzarella Recipe
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, this slow cooker chicken marinara recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. This hearty meal features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. In the slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil. Stir to combine.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, place sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara
A classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup homemade marinara sauce (see below)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Olive oil for frying
Homemade Marinara Sauce:
– 2 cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Dip each breast in flour, shaking off excess; then dip in beaten eggs; finally, coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Assemble the dish: Place fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; spoon marinara sauce over each breast; top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total
Marinara Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and nutritious meal with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and sprinkle with parsley.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
One-Pot Chicken Marinara and Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this easy and flavorful one-pot recipe, featuring juicy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and creamy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked rice and chicken back into the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the rice is creamy.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Grilled Chicken Marinara Flatbread
Elevate your flatbread game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Grilled Chicken Marinara Flatbread recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Place flatbread on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
7. Slice grilled chicken into strips and arrange on top of flatbread.
8. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
9. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Marinara Meatballs with Spaghetti
A twist on classic meatballs, these chicken-based treats are infused with the rich flavors of marinara sauce and served with a side of al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 12 oz spaghetti
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, onion, and garlic. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add marinara sauce to the baked meatballs and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve meatballs over cooked spaghetti, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Chicken Marinara with Zucchini Noodles
A delicious and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and zucchini noodles for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together marinara sauce and garlic powder. Brush the mixture evenly onto both chicken breasts.
3. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchinis into noodle-like strips.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve the baked chicken on top of the zucchini noodles, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Marinara Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy and flavorful risotto dish loaded with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and the tanginess of marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. In the same skillet, add onion; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. Stir in marinara sauce and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Marinara Panini with Provolone
A flavorful twist on the classic panini, this recipe combines juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted provolone cheese for a satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 4 slices of bread (Italian-style or Ciabatta work well)
– 4 oz Provolone cheese, sliced
– Lettuce, tomato, and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marinara sauce and chicken breast. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
3. Slice the marinated chicken into thin strips.
4. Butter one side of each bread slice.
5. Assemble the panini by placing a few slices of chicken on each bread slice, followed by a slice of Provolone cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Place the sandwiches in the preheated press or grill for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with lettuce, tomato, and basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Easy Chicken Marinara Casserole
Transforming a weeknight dinner into a flavorful delight is just a few steps away with this Easy Chicken Marinara Casserole recipe! With the simplicity of pre-cooked chicken and marinara sauce, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
4. Add the chicken mixture to the prepared dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Marinara Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A delicious twist on traditional stuffed shells, this recipe combines the flavors of marinara sauce, chicken, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until shells are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Marinara Pizza with Fresh Basil
Elevate your pizza game with this flavorful recipe that combines the classic Italian combination of chicken, marinara sauce, and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust or homemade dough
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp marinara sauce.
3. Spread remaining marinara sauce over the pizza crust.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Arrange chicken pieces on top of the cheese.
6. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves evenly across the pizza.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Marinara Braised Chicken Thighs with Olives
A flavorful and comforting dish that combines the richness of chicken thighs, the tanginess of marinara sauce, and the savory taste of olives.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5. Add the marinara sauce, garlic, and olives to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Marinara Lasagna Roll-Ups
Elevate your lasagna game with these creative roll-ups, packed with flavorful chicken and marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken strips with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
3. Add marinara sauce and stir to combine; set aside.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. To assemble roll-ups:
– Place a cooked noodle on a flat surface.
– Spoon some chicken mixture along the center of the noodle, leaving a 1-inch border at each end.
– Sprinkle with cheese mixture, then roll up tightly.
– Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Place roll-ups seam-side down in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Chicken Marinara Quesadillas
Elevate your quesadilla game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. Shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella come together in a deliciously gooey treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken and marinara sauce until well combined.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Marinara Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan
A flavorful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, this recipe combines juicy chicken, tender eggplant, and tangy marinara sauce with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Add eggplant slices and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Assemble the Parmesan by placing cooked chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, topping with eggplant slices, and sprinkling with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavor with these 18 delicious chicken and marinara recipes, perfect for any occasion. From classic pasta bakes to stuffed peppers, meatballs, and paninis, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, these recipes are sure to please. Try Spicy Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake, Creamy Garlic Chicken Marinara Skillet, or Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara with Mozzarella – and many more! These mouthwatering dishes showcase the best of chicken and marinara sauce, with flavors ranging from spicy to savory.
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