If you’re craving a comfort meal that’s bursting with flavor and warmth, this Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute gem you’ll want to make again and again. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, melty cheese in one irresistible dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers that homemade satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work together to create an incredible balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe so special. Each component shines, whether it’s the rich marinara, the creamy cheese layers, or the tender chicken.
- 32 oz. marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, providing a rich, tangy tomato base that keeps everything saucy and flavorful.
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders: Tender and juicy, these cook evenly and soak up the marinara sauce beautifully.
- 16 oz. dry spaghetti: Or any long pasta you love, it acts as the perfect bed to carry the chicken and sauce.
- 2-3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that melty, creamy texture and the iconic golden top you’ll adore.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick, both in the bake and as garnish to elevate flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the rich cheese and tomato flavors.
How to Make Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by positioning the oven rack in the middle and preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 9×13-inch casserole dish a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your dish doesn’t stick and is easy to serve later. A little prep here sets you up for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Layer the Sauce and Chicken
Pour 1 cup of that luscious marinara sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish and spread it evenly. Then, carefully place the chicken tenders on top. This initial layer of sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful while it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Sauce
Now pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure each tender is generously coated. This creates a rich coating that will bubble and cook into the meat, infusing each bite with deep tomato goodness.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. The baking time depends on your chicken tender size but aim for an internal temperature of 155°F to ensure they’re cooked through yet still juicy and tender. This slow bake builds flavor gradually.
Step 5: Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well once al dente – you want that pasta ready to soak up the sauce when it’s time to serve.
Step 6: Broil to Melt the Cheese
Remove the chicken from the oven and switch your oven setting to Broil. Pile a small mountain of mozzarella over each chicken tender, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Return the dish to the oven, broiling carefully just until the cheese melts and bubbles with a beautiful golden finish. Make sure the internal chicken temperature hits between 160-165°F for perfect doneness.
Step 7: Let the Chicken Rest
Transfer your cheesy, saucy chicken to a cooling rack and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important – it allows the juices to redistribute so that every forkful is moist and flavorful.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Serve each chicken tender over a bed of the cooked spaghetti, spooning extra marinara sauce from the bottom of the casserole dish over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan for that final burst of flavor and color. Now dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and more grated Parmesan are your best friends here. The basil adds a pop of green and a refreshing herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and tomato sauce. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty layer that amps up every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the hearty pasta bake perfectly, soaking up any extra marinara sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and sauce layered in individual ramekins with pasta underneath, topped with cheese and broiled until melty. This way, everyone gets their own bubbly personal bake. You could also twist the recipe by tossing the pasta and sauce together before plating, topped with the tender chicken slices for an elegant weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an even better lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe freezes well! Assemble the dish completely without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes, to keep that tender chicken and melty cheese perfect. Microwaving is faster but can make the cheese a bit rubbery, so oven reheating is the way to go for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully and help hold the sauce better, giving you a similarly delightful experience.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes! This Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe is surprisingly quick to prep and mostly cooks itself in the oven, giving you hands-off time to relax or prep other dishes.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely. Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick, or mix in some diced jalapeños before baking for a spicy-sweet combo that’s irresistible.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer—check for an internal temperature between 160-165°F after broiling to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
What’s the best way to shred mozzarella cheese?
Using fresh mozzarella is best, torn or shredded by hand for a more rustic melt, but pre-shredded mozzarella from the store works well if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe is such a keeper. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, delivering comfort food vibes with a fresh, homemade feel. Give it a try and enjoy the beautiful blend of tender chicken, savory marinara, cheesy goodness, and pasta heartiness all in one delicious bake!
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Chicken Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Marinara recipe features tender baked chicken tenders smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. A comforting and classic Italian-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce (divided, 1 jar)
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Pasta
- 16 oz. dry spaghetti (1 box) or any long-shaped pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 2–3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Sauce and Chicken: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish. Evenly place the chicken tenders on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken pieces.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F. Baking time varies based on the size of the chicken tenders.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the chicken is baking, boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Broil with Cheese: Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and set the oven to Broil. Place a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese on each piece of chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return the dish to the oven and broil carefully until the cheese melts and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a cooling rack and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken and marinara sauce over a bed of cooked spaghetti. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 160-165°F to avoid undercooking.
- You can use any long-shaped pasta if spaghetti is not available.
- Watch the chicken closely while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before baking.
