Pasta with Chunky Chicken Marinara Sauce

Everything you could possibly want, in one skillet. Thick noodles, chunky chicken, fresh mozzarella, and a zesty marinara sauce that's been jacked up with oregano, basil, onion, and garlic (spice rack stuff). Ready in less than 30 and uber healthy. An absolute MUST for your weeknight repertoire.

No joke - this dish will blow you away. I realize I say that a lot. And I mean it a lot. In my opinion, when you find a dish that checks all the boxes and can be served in the SAME pan you cooked it in, you need to bookmark it. Make it. And make it often.

I'm 100% sure I'll be making this again and again. Truth is, I wanted to create a hearty marinara sauce for my boys - something with high-quality, lean protein. Hence the chicken (instead of ground beef). And it rocked our worlds. My boys worshiped this dish. There wasn't a noodle or piece of chicken left. And then they cleaned out the skillet with hunks of bread. That's a winning dish all around. Healthy and no cleanup! Joking, I washed the pan.

Pasta with Chunky Chicken Marinara Sauce

12 ounces pasta of choice (I used tagliatelle)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and ground black pepper
2 cups tomato sauce (from a carton or can)
1 cup chicken broth
8 small mozzarella balls (such as ciliegine or bocconcini), or 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into 2-inch chunks
Fresh parsley leaves for serving, optional

Heat the oil in a large stock pot or high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, stirring frequently. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the herbs are fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes (while you cook the pasta).
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and add to the chicken mixture. Cook for one minute to heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Top the pasta and chicken with the mozzarella balls and parsley leaves and serve.
Serves 4