Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce

(341)
35 min4595 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

chicken-pastamarinara-sauce-chicken-pastachicken-and-marinara-sauce-recchicken-in-marinara-sauce-reci

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Undercook by 2 Minutes

Pull pasta 2 minutes before the package says it's done. It finishes cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavour rather than just sitting on top of it.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

About This Recipe

Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce is a beloved dish that embodies the warmth of Canadian family cooking. The rich, creamy marinara sauce is made from scratch, showcasing the fragrant garlic and the nutty depth of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday dinner gatherings. Cooks across Canada appreciate how the tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with al dente pasta, creating a delightful texture that is both satisfying and hearty.

What truly makes this recipe special is its versatility. Whether you're meal prepping for a hectic week or hosting a casual dinner party, it delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. The homemade sauce elevates the dish, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table. It's no wonder this Chicken Marinara has become a staple in many Canadian homes, with its simplicity making it a go-to for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

Tips for the Best Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breast, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Start by searing the chicken in olive oil and butter until golden brown, then allow it to finish cooking gently in the sauce to infuse moisture and flavor, preventing dryness. Don't rush the simmering process for your marinara; allowing it to cook longer helps the flavours meld beautifully, creating a rich and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and flavour. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing counterpoint and some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A glass of chilled Canadian Chardonnay complements the creamy richness of the dish beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal that your family and friends will love.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Chicken Marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to avoid drying it out. If you wish to freeze it, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

595
Calories
45g
Protein
23g
Fat
52g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar3g
Sodium594mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavour to your dish. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safety.

How can I make the marinara sauce spicier?+

To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinara sauce while it simmers. Adjust to your taste preference!

What type of pasta works best for this dish?+

While any pasta can work, I recommend using fettuccine or penne as they hold the sauce well, allowing every bite to be rich and flavourful.

Is there a way to lighten the sauce while keeping it creamy?+

Sure! You can substitute half of the heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and low-fat milk. This will provide creaminess with fewer calories.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?+

Yes! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance both the nutrition and flavour profile of your Chicken Marinara. Just toss them in while the sauce simmers.

Reviews

4.6 / 5 (341 reviews)
Lauren Y.
Jun 1, 2025

The flavours are incredible. Restaurant quality at home!

Ashley M.
Jan 26, 2025

The flavours are incredible. Restaurant quality at home!

Chris L.
Dec 7, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
35 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Chicken Pasta

Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce

The secret to the best Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce? It is easier than you think.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken Marinara With Homemade Sauce - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

You Might Also Like

Popular Recipes

More Chicken Pasta

Explore More