Name: Chicken Pasta with Marinara Barramundi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, sliced; 2 barramundi fillets; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti); 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Chicken Pasta with Marinara Barramundi is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, flaky barramundi, and hearty pasta in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the best of land and sea in one comforting, pasta-based entrée. The robust marinara sauce complements both the chicken and barramundi beautifully, while the pasta brings everything together into a cohesive and filling meal. It’s a balanced, nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor and is easy enough for any home cook to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
Barramundi fillets, skin removed
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Salt and black pepper
Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Add crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Meanwhile, season barramundi with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, pan-sear the fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky.
Add the cooked chicken to the marinara sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes.
Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta until well coated.
Gently flake the barramundi and place it on top of the pasta or fold in carefully.
Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone for a creamy tomato base.
Vegetable addition: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Pescatarian option: Omit the chicken and double the barramundi.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze pasta and sauce (without fish) for up to 1 month. Add fresh-cooked fish before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid overcooking the fish during reheating.

FAQs

What is barramundi?

Barramundi is a mild, flaky white fish known for its clean flavor and high protein content. It’s a great alternative to cod or tilapia.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Yes, high-quality store-bought marinara works perfectly for convenience.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I bake the fish instead of pan-searing?

Yes, you can bake barramundi at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until it flakes easily.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, cod, tilapia, or halibut are good substitutes for barramundi.

How do I prevent the fish from falling apart?

Cook it gently and add it to the pasta just before serving to maintain its texture.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, make the pasta and sauce in advance. Cook and add the fish just before serving for the best texture.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fusilli, or linguine hold the sauce well and pair nicely with the protein.

How can I make the dish more flavorful?

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering for added depth.

Is cheese necessary?

No, Parmesan is optional. The dish is flavorful on its own, especially if kept dairy-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Pasta with Marinara Barramundi is a wholesome, delicious fusion of protein and pasta that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. With its tender chicken, flaky fish, and rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or elegant yet simple entertaining. It’s a satisfying one-plate meal that brings variety and nutrition to the table.

Chicken Pasta with Marinara Barramundi

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Chicken Pasta with Marinara Barramundi is a protein-packed fusion dish combining tender chicken, flaky barramundi, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich marinara sauce. A hearty and flavorful meal perfect for dinner.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Season barramundi with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sear the barramundi for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through.
Flake the barramundi and gently fold into the pasta just before serving to avoid breaking it up too much.
Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.