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)

Description

A delightful and hearty dish, Chicken Marinara combines tender chicken baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is as flavorful as it is comforting. Perfect for a family dinner or an Italian-inspired feast.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

32 ounces marinara sauce (divided, 1 jar)
12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
2–3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more, for garnish)
Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

For the Spaghetti

16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box)

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Marinara and Chicken
Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Place the chicken tenders evenly on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Cook the Spaghetti
While the chicken is baking, boil the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Broil with Cheese
Remove the chicken from the oven and set the oven to BROIL. Top each piece of chicken with a small mound of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over it. Return the chicken to the oven and broil just until the cheese has melted, watching closely to prevent burning. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160-165°F with a meat thermometer.
Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Serve the chicken and marinara sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store chicken marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave on high until heated through or rewarm in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes.
Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan, you can use provolone or Romano cheese as substitutes.
Spaghetti Alternative: This dish also pairs well with zucchini noodles, linguine, or mashed potatoes for variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg