Chicken Marinara
Juicy chicken breasts simmered in savory marinara with mushrooms and herbs, served over pasta for a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken for 6 minutes on each side; remove and keep warm.
- Add mushrooms, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning to the skillet; sauté until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and wine or broth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over hot cooked angel hair pasta or spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If you don't have red wine, chicken broth works well, but a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the sauce. You can substitute the mushrooms with bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Fresh Broccoli Pasta for a veggie boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Marinara over hot cooked angel hair pasta or spaghetti for a classic touch. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad complements the meal nicely. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Italian recipes like Linguini With Asparagus And Chicken for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. You can also add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Marinara contains roughly 231 calories, with 9g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (158% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook them from frozen but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they're fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have spaghetti sauce?
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes with Italian herbs added in. This will give you a similar base for your sauce. You can also make your own quick sauce by sautéing garlic and onions, then adding canned tomatoes and spices.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Chicken Marinara, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the mushrooms. Alternatively, you can serve it with a spicy marinara sauce for a kick that complements the chicken beautifully.
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).