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Chicken in tomato sauce in pan with cheese on top.
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Easy Chicken in Tomato Sauce (with Pasta)

This is the absolute easiest way to cook flavorful chicken—it simply poaches right in the marinara sauce. This Chicken in Tomato Sauce is perfect with pasta or with a side of Italian bread and is a great easy family meal.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 325kcal

Ingredients

  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (or tenders)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 1 pound pasta (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the marinara sauce to a wide skillet over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add the chicken, cutting into bite-size pieces with a pair of kitchen scissors as you drop into the sauce.
  • Cover, reduce the heat to low-medium so the sauce is at a low simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove cover, flip the chicken over, and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. (It should register 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.)
  • Meanwhile, prepare the pasta if using. Drain.
  • Stir the butter and Parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture. Season to taste with salt.
  • Serve the chicken in tomato sauce over the pasta. Top with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Heat through to serve.
  • I prefer to use marinara sauce for the poaching liquid as it's more flavorful than tomato sauce, but either would work.
  • If you use tomato sauce, you may want to add some Italian seasoning.
  • Use another type of boneless chicken cut if you prefer.
  • Trade in shrimp for the chicken and reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes total.
  • Serve with pasta or serve with another grain or Italian bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 594mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 517IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg