When it comes to Italian comfort food, few dishes rival the rich, satisfying combination of Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta. Pappardelle, with its wide ribbons of tender dough, is the perfect canvas to soak up a robust marinara sauce, full of deep flavors and wholesome ingredients. Add juicy chicken to the mix, and you have a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome, making it perfect for any family dinner or casual gathering.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and balance. The marinara sauce is a classic tomato-based blend, with the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and the warmth of herbs like basil and oregano. Paired with tender chicken and wide, egg-based pappardelle pasta, the result is a satisfying plate that’s both comforting and elegant. The wide noodles offer a perfect bite, complementing the rich texture of the sauce and ensuring that every forkful delivers bold flavor.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In under an hour, you’ll have a beautifully plated Italian dish that feels like it came straight from a trattoria. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, pappardelle with chicken marinara sauce is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients for Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
For the Chicken Marinara Sauce:
2 chicken breasts (about 400g), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
400g pappardelle pasta
Salt for pasta water
Cooking Instructions for Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinara Sauce:
Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Add chicken to sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Remove from heat.
2. Cook the Pappardelle:
Boil water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta: Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain: Drain the pasta and reserve a small cup of pasta water.
3. Combine and Serve:
Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the chicken marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Garnish and serve: Divide the pasta into 4 bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.
Time Breakdown:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Enjoy your delicious pappardelle with chicken marinara sauce!
FAQs for Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of pasta this recipe of marinara sauce?
Yes! While pappardelle is ideal due to its wide, flat shape, you can substitute it with other types of pasta like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s thickness and texture.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe of marinara sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can even enhance the flavors. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the freshly cooked pasta.
3. How do I prevent the pappardelle from sticking together?
To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure you cook it in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally. After draining, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil or a few spoonfuls of sauce if you’re not serving it immediately.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe. However, making the sauce from scratch allows you to control the flavor and ingredients, ensuring a fresher and more delicious meal.
5. Can I add vegetables this recipe of marinara sauce?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to this marinara sauce recipe for extra nutrition and texture. Sauté them along with the onions before adding the tomatoes for the best results.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer dark meat. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the thighs are fully cooked.
7. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. The marinara sauce is already vegetarian-friendly.
8. How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
9. Can I freeze the chicken marinara sauce?
Yes, this marinara sauce (without the pasta) freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop when ready to use.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
This recipe of Pappardelle with chicken marinara sauce is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the dish nicely too.
Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
Ingredients for Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
For the Chicken Marinara Sauce:
For the Pasta:
Cooking Instructions for Marinara Sauce Recipe with chicken and Pappardelle Pasta
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chicken to sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Remove from heat.
2. Cook the Pappardelle:
- Boil water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain: Drain the pasta and reserve a small cup of pasta water.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the chicken marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish and serve: Divide the pasta into 4 bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.
