Hello, my wonderful food-loving friends! I’m Mateo, and today, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite comfort dishes: Air Fryer Chicken Pasta. This recipe is a staple in our household, especially on those busy weeknights when everyone is craving something hearty and delicious. Just imagine juicy, seasoned chicken paired with tender pasta, all embraced by a rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that truly brings everyone to the table, and I promise, it’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this Air Fryer Chicken Pasta, and here are a few reasons why it’s bound to become a family favorite:
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This makes it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want to serve something home-cooked and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect way to gather everyone around the dinner table. The flavors are mild yet rich enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and melted cheese is the epitome of comfort food. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for cozy nights in.
- Minimal Cleanup: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze. No more juggling multiple pots and pans—just one pot for the pasta and one air fryer basket.
- Versatile Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up this meal without a last-minute grocery run. You can also easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, making it a flexible and adaptable recipe.
The Recipe
Here’s how you can bring this comforting dish to your kitchen:
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Temperature: 380°F | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Penne: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Using al dente pasta ensures it retains some firmness, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Remember that pasta will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the hot sauce and chicken, so al dente is the way to go.
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Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. A quick tip: If you have the time, let the chicken marinate in this mixture for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors. This additional step will infuse the chicken with even more flavor, making each bite more delicious.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden brown color. Preheating is crucial in air frying as it helps to seal the outside of the chicken quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
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Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. This helps cook the chicken evenly on all sides. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly for that perfect crispy texture.
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Combine Ingredients: After 10 minutes, add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the chicken in the air fryer. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with sauce and chicken. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta while mixing.
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Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The melted cheese adds a creamy, delightful finish to the dish. For an extra golden top, you can increase the temperature slightly in the last minute or so to broil the cheese.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates each bite. For a little extra spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Air Fryer Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Air fryer: The star appliance for this dish, giving the chicken its perfect texture.
- Large pot (for boiling pasta): A staple in any kitchen, essential for cooking the pasta to the perfect al dente.
- Mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding the role of each ingredient can enhance your cooking:
- Penne Pasta: The sturdy shape of penne holds sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Its tubular shape allows the sauce to get inside, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.
- Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with pasta. They are versatile and absorb the flavors of the marinade well.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken. It also aids in achieving a nice brown crust on the chicken pieces in the air fryer.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These seasonings infuse the chicken with robust, savory flavors. They are pantry staples that bring depth and complexity to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Provides a tomato-rich base that ties the dish together, adding both moisture and flavor. Opt for a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own for the best results.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, indulgent topping. It’s the key to achieving that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Fresh Basil: Optional, but it adds a bright, fresh note that complements the richness of the dish. Basil’s aromatic properties make the dish feel gourmet.
What to Serve With This Dish
While this Air Fryer Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, you might want to serve it with:
- A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. The acidity in the vinaigrette can help cut through the cheese and sauce, refreshing your palate with each bite.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. The warmth and slight crunch of garlic bread complement the softness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make a nutritious and colorful side dish. They add a healthy component and a pop of color to your plate, enhancing the meal visually and nutritionally.
For more pairing ideas, check out our Easy Garlic Breadsticks and Simple Caesar Salad recipes.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will ensure the flavors remain intact and the pasta doesn’t dry out.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the pasta in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, though it might not be as crispy.
- Freezing: Although I prefer this dish fresh, you can freeze it. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Be aware that freezing might slightly alter the texture of the pasta.
This Air Fryer Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring family together, creating warm memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and remember, the best meals are made with love and shared with family.
Air Fryer Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- After 10 minutes, add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the chicken in the air fryer. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.