Chicken And Pasta Marinara
A hearty chicken and pasta dish simmered in rich marinara with garlic, red wine, and fresh basil, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté garlic in virgin oil.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, basil, black pepper, crushed dry red pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- After 10 minutes of simmering, add Parmesan cheese and stir.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Add uncooked chicken cubes to the sauce and cook for an additional 4 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce or adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your heat preference, and feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and pasta marinara hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This dish pairs well with a side salad and crusty bread. For an Italian-themed dinner, consider serving it alongside Italian Style Beef And Bean Soup for a hearty meal. A glass of Chianti enhances the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional wine to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta Marinara contains roughly 498 calories, with 25g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (256% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for traditional pasta, you can substitute with whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized vegetables for a healthier alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as different pasta shapes may require varying lengths of time to cook.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also incorporate protein-rich alternatives such as chickpeas or lentils to keep the meal hearty and satisfying.
What can I serve with chicken and pasta marinara?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables also complements the flavors nicely. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a rich Italian recipe like Pasta Suzanne.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).