The key to creating this healthy, flavorful Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta is to pound the chicken breast flat before cooking: this ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy without needing excess oil. It’s delicious served with a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli.
Jump to RecipeSkinnylicious Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- 4 oz whole wheat penne
- 1 chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp garlic & herb seasoning
- ½ tomato, diced
- 2 cups marinara
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
How To Make Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Boil the pasta: Cook the whole wheat penne in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
- Cook the chicken: Pound the chicken breast until it is flat and of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Coat it in the flour and garlic & herb seasoning, then pan-fry in olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Warm the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into a small pot and heat it gently over low heat while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Chop the extras: Dice the fresh tomato and roughly chop the basil leaves, setting them aside in a small bowl.
- Assemble the dish: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the pasta, warm sauce, diced tomato, basil, and chicken together in a large bowl until well combined.
Recipe Tips
- Why pound the chicken? Pounding the chicken breaks down fibers for tenderness and ensures the breast is the same thickness throughout so it doesn’t dry out.
- Air fryer option: Using the air fryer method mentioned in step 2 saves oil and cuts down on active cooking time; just be sure to flip halfway through.
- Choosing a sauce: Look for a marinara sauce with no added sugar to keep the calorie count low and the flavor authentic.
- Gluten-free swap: You can easily substitute the whole wheat penne for brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta and use almond flour for the coating to make this gluten-free.
What To Serve With Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta
This dish is designed to be a lighter meal, so pair it with healthy, green sides.
- A mixed green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or zucchini
- Roasted asparagus
- A light sparkling water with lemon
How To Store Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: It is best to freeze the sauce and chicken separate from the pasta, as reheated pasta can sometimes become mushy.
Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.
FAQs
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy, though they are slightly higher in calories than chicken breast.
Whole wheat pasta generally contains more fiber and nutrients than white pasta, which helps keep you fuller for longer.
Absolutely; you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately, then combine with the sauce and fresh toppings when ready to eat.
Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes15
minutes420
kcalA lighter, healthier take on chicken pasta featuring whole wheat noodles, fresh basil, and lean protein.
Ingredients
4 oz whole wheat penne
1 chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour
2 tsp garlic & herb seasoning
½ tomato, diced
2 cups marinara
5–6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Pound the chicken flat and coat with flour and seasoning.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet for 3-5 minutes per side or air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Heat the marinara sauce in a small pot.
- Slice the chicken and dice the tomato and basil.
- Toss all ingredients together and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy jar to pound the chicken breast.
- Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you want a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil adds a significant flavor boost compared to dried basil so try not to skip it.
