Are you looking for a tasty, quick, and satisfying meal to serve your family? Look no further! This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With tender chicken breast pieces, a creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. This recipe will impress whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking Process, here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Whole wheat spaghetti (for a healthier option)
- Half-and-half or milk (as a lighter substitute for heavy cream)
Equipment Needed
To make this Chicken Spaghetti recipe, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:
- Large pot – For boiling the spaghetti.
- Frying pan – Ideal for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken.
- Mixing spoon – For stirring the sauce and combining ingredients.
- Colander – Drain the spaghetti after boiling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
The first step to a delicious chicken spaghetti is perfectly cooking the chicken.
Season the Chicken:
- Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Cook the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. You’ll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
While the chicken is resting, it’s time to prepare the pasta.
Boil the Spaghetti:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add 12 oz of spaghetti and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Tip: Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
3. Prepare the Sauce
This creamy, flavorful sauce is the heart of the recipe.
Start with the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Add 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth in the skillet you used to cook the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
Add the Cream and Cheese:
- Once the tomato mixture has simmered, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- Next, sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, letting the cheese melt and blend into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Optional: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes at this stage for a spicy kick.
4. Combine the Chicken and Spaghetti
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Slice the Chicken:
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
Toss the Spaghetti in the Sauce:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it with the sauce.
- 4o. Use a mixing spoon or tongs to toss the spaghetti, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the spaghetti topped with the sliced chicken. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if desired for an extra touch of freshness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality pasta make a big difference in the dish’s flavour.
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds depth and enhances the flavour of the chicken.
- Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook your pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking it when tossed in the sauce.
- Creamy sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with some reserved pasta water. If the mixture is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Storing leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Variations to Try
- Vegetable Add-ins: For extra nutrition, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: If you’re a cheese fan, add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the sauce for a cheesier dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Baked Chicken Spaghetti: After combining the chicken, spaghetti, and sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with extra Parmesan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 700 IU
- Vitamin C: 10 mg
- Calcium: 200 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can chicken thighs be used as a substitute for chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be a great substitute. They have more fat and are often juicier. Adjust the cooking time, as chicken thighs might take slightly longer to cook through.
2. Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat the sauce and chicken when ready to serve, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
While the pasta may not hold up well after freezing, you can freeze the sauce and chicken. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat the sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use whole wheat spaghetti. You can also incorporate additional vegetables to boost the nutrient content.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but if you enjoy spicy food, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
6. What side dishes go well with Chicken Spaghetti?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also great options.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a special family gathering, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour. Try it today, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your family’s preferences!
For more easy and delicious pasta recipes, check out [link to another recipe].
chiken spaghetti recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot – for boiling the pasta.
- 1 Frying Pan – Ideal for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- 1 Tongs – for flipping the chicken.
- 1 Mixing Spoon. – for stirring the ingredients
- 1 Colander – Used to drain the pasta after boiling.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 oz spaghetti
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Spaghetti:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine:
Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Serve the spaghetti topped with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use either grilled or pan-fried chicken for this recipe, depending on your preference.
- Add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier version while cooking.
- You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though the sauce may be less creamy.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Opt for whole wheat spaghetti as a healthier alternative.