Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Look no further! We’ve got 18 deliciously easy and satisfying chicken and marinara recipes to spice up your busy evenings. From hearty pasta bakes to flavorful skillet meals, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or adventurous twists on traditional dishes, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In this article, we’ll take you through a culinary journey of creamy lasagnas, savory stuffed peppers, and even some surprises like chicken meatballs in rustic marinara. With ingredients you likely have on hand and minimal prep time required, these recipes are perfect for any home cook looking to impress without breaking a sweat.
So grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of chicken and marinara!
Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara with Mozzarella
Perfect for a busy day, this slow cooker recipe yields tender chicken smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 jar (28 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the marinara sauce and olive oil.
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, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
One-Pan Chicken and Marinara Pasta Bake
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce in one easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. Add marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce.
6. Transfer the skillet contents to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Marinara Chicken Skillet with Olives
A flavorful one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 1 cup mixed olives, pitted
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the olives to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Homemade Marinara
Elevate your dinner game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a tangy homemade marinara.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup homemade marinara (see below for recipe)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Homemade Marinara:
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush with garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve with homemade marinara sauce.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Parmesan with Chunky Marinara Sauce
A crowd-pleasing Italian-American favorite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe combines juicy chicken, crispy breading, and a rich marinara sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, chunky style)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce over medium-low heat.
7. Assemble the dish by placing baked chicken breasts in a baking dish, topping with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Marinara Braised Chicken Thighs with Herbs
A rich and flavorful dish that combines the comforting warmth of braising with the bright, zesty flavors of marinara sauce. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with the essence of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
5. Add the marinated chicken thighs and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Chicken Marinara Flatbread Pizza
A flavorful twist on traditional pizza, this recipe combines the smoky taste of grilled chicken with the tanginess of marinara sauce and the crunch of flatbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 package flatbread pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and salt. Brush mixture evenly onto both sides of chicken breast.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing into strips.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll out flatbread pizza crust to desired thickness. Top with marinara sauce, grilled chicken strips, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves on top (if using). Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Creamy Marinara Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Creamy Marinara Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Recipe
A classic Italian dish gets a creamy twist with this recipe, featuring juicy chicken, wilted spinach, and layers of pasta and marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz lasagna noodles
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup creamy marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with salt and pepper until cooked through. Add spinach and wilt until tender.
4. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
5. Spread half of the chicken-spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers: noodles, sauce, chicken-spinach mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with basil.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Marinara Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines tender chicken with sweet marinara sauce and crunchy bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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 and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add marinara sauce, garlic, and olive oil to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with cooked chicken mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Marinara Over Zoodles
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Marinara Over Zoodles Recipe Summary:
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and healthy recipe, featuring chicken breast marinated in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, served over zucchini noodles. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breast in the marinade, coating evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Cook zucchini noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve chicken over zoodles, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Baked Chicken Meatballs in Rustic Marinara
A hearty twist on traditional meatballs, these baked chicken meatballs are infused with Italian flavors and served in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 12-15 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully place them in the skillet with the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to coat the meatballs evenly.
Cooking Time: 23-27 minutes
Marinara Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
A classic Italian-inspired dish with a rich and creamy twist, featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a flavorful marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove chicken from pan; set aside. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. After 20-25 minutes of total cooking time, stir in marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30-35 minutes
Pesto-Marinated Chicken with Fire-Roasted Marinara
Pesto-Marinated Chicken with Fire-Roasted Marinara: A flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Fire-roasted marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, coating evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush fire-roasted marinara sauce onto the chicken breasts.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Marinara Chicken Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
A flavorful and visually stunning salad that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, creaminess of mozzarella, and savory flavors of chicken and basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra-virgin olive oil for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss chicken with marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Arrange tomato slices on a platter or individual plates.
5. Top tomatoes with mozzarella cheese and cooked chicken.
6. Sprinkle chopped basil over the salad.
7. Drizzle with olive oil (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Marinara Stuffed Shells
A classic Italian-American comfort food dish with a twist – adding juicy chicken to the filling!
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/2 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 directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-marinara mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Penne
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a speedy makeover in the Instant Pot! This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and al dente penne pasta for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup penne pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the penne pasta and cooked chicken back into the pot.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “Manual” mode at high pressure for 6-8 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
7. Stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Rosemary Chicken with White Wine Marinara
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the essence of rosemary with the richness of white wine.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the white wine mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, heat marinara sauce in a separate pan over medium heat.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the warm marinara sauce over each breast.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Marinara Chicken and Eggplant Rollatini
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful eggplant, and creamy marinara sauce wrapped in fresh pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken and eggplant slices in a skillet with olive oil until tender.
3. In a separate pot, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
4. Assemble rollatini by placing cooked chicken and eggplant on each noodle, followed by marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Roll up each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your busy weeknights with these mouthwatering chicken and marinara recipes! From slow cooker delights to one-pot wonders, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in classics like chicken parmesan or stuffed shells, or try something new like grilled flatbread pizza or creamy lasagna. You’ll also find quick-fix skillet meals and hearty stews to satisfy your cravings. With marinara as the star of the show, you can’t go wrong! Whether you’re a busy parent, foodie, or just looking for easy dinner inspiration, these 18 savory recipes have got you covered.
Leave a Reply