A Recipe for Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
What is Chicken Spaghetti?
Chicken spaghetti is a popular American dish that combines the flavors of spaghetti, chicken, and cheese. It’s a twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese, with the addition of chicken breast or thighs, garlic, and herbs. The result is a rich, savory, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious chicken spaghetti recipe:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Combine the Chicken and Tomato Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat with the tomato sauce.
- Assemble the Chicken Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the chicken and tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Top with Cheese: Transfer the chicken spaghetti to a serving dish and top with the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it instead of cooking fresh chicken breast or thighs.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the tomato sauce.
- Go Veggie: Replace the chicken with cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: Cook the spaghetti directly in the skillet with the chicken and tomato sauce, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Nutrition Information:
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for this recipe:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 540 |
Fat | 24g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Cholesterol | 60mg |
Sodium | 450mg |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fiber | 4g |
Protein | 35g |
Conclusion:
Chicken spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a twist on a classic spaghetti dish or a hearty, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of chicken spaghetti!