Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully, though you may need to adjust the cooking time. If using larger breasts, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets that will cook more quickly and evenly. Monitor the internal temperature closely as thicker cuts will need more time to reach 155°F before adding cheese.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can easily lighten up this recipe by using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reducing the amount of cheese, or choosing a lower-sodium marinara sauce. For an even lighter option, replace half (or all) of the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a veggie-packed version that still delivers on flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a colder dish.

How can I tell when my chicken is cooked perfectly?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F after broiling. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a piece—the meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Easy Chicken Marinara Recipe

Name: Easy Chicken Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 32 ounces marinara sauce (divided, 1 jar); 12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders; 2-3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more, for garnish); Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish); 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box)

This incredible Chicken Marinara is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero that combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese over a bed of perfect pasta. Ready in less than an hour, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort—making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but requires minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking time.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults with its classic Italian flavors.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank but create a meal that feels special.
Versatile: Works perfectly for casual family dinners but is impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marinara Sauce: The star of the show that provides rich tomato flavor and wonderful herb notes. Using a good quality jarred sauce saves time while delivering great flavor.
Chicken Tenders: These cook quickly and stay juicy and tender. They’re the perfect size for individual portions and absorb the marinara flavors beautifully.
Spaghetti: Creates the perfect base to catch all that delicious sauce. The neutral flavor lets the marinara and chicken shine.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy topping that browns beautifully under the broiler. Fresh is best, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the sweeter marinara sauce. The sharp flavor balances the mild mozzarella perfectly.
Fresh Basil: Optional but highly recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish from good to magnificent.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the chicken tenders for chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even turkey cutlets. For a vegetarian version, use sliced eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.

Pasta Alternatives

Don’t feel limited to spaghetti! This sauce and chicken combo works beautifully with penne, fettuccine, or even cheese-stuffed ravioli. For a lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Sauce Customization

Enhance the jarred marinara with additions like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a splash of heavy cream for a rosé sauce effect. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice gentle heat.

Cheese Combinations

Try provolone or fontina instead of (or mixed with) the mozzarella. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of romano cheese along with the parmesan.

How to Make Chicken Marinara

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, then spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Arrange the chicken tenders evenly in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Bake for 30-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. You’ll want to reach an internal temperature of 155°F at this stage (it will finish cooking later).

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and keep warm.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the chicken reaches 155°F, remove the dish from the oven and switch to the broil setting. Top each piece of chicken with a generous mound of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and broil just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble and brown slightly. Keep a close eye on it—this happens quickly! The chicken should now reach a final temperature of 160-165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving over the prepared spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Taking an extra minute to shred fresh mozzarella makes a noticeable difference.
Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the foolproof way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken—never dry, never undercooked.
Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. If your spaghetti seems dry when serving, add a splash of this starchy water to loosen things up.
Quality Matters: Since this recipe has relatively few ingredients, using a good quality marinara sauce will significantly impact the final flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this chicken marinara with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.

Presentation

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, twist the spaghetti into a neat mound using tongs, place the saucy chicken and additional sauce on top, and finish with a fresh basil sprig and a final grating of parmesan.

Wine Pairing

A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements this dish beautifully, enhancing the tomato flavors without overwhelming the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the pasta separately from the chicken and sauce to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Freeze the chicken and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken and sauce covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Prepare fresh pasta for serving, or reheat refrigerated pasta with a splash of water in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully, though you may need to adjust the cooking time. If using larger breasts, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets that will cook more quickly and evenly. Monitor the internal temperature closely as thicker cuts will need more time to reach 155°F before adding cheese.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can easily lighten up this recipe by using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reducing the amount of cheese, or choosing a lower-sodium marinara sauce. For an even lighter option, replace half (or all) of the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a veggie-packed version that still delivers on flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a colder dish.
How can I tell when my chicken is cooked perfectly?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F after broiling. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a piece—the meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marinara recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates something truly greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or having friends over, this dish strikes that perfect balance between impressive and approachable that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight—I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!