Imagine twirling your fork into a perfect plate of creamy, savory chicken spaghetti that transports you straight to the heart of Italy with just one bite. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines tender chicken, rich red sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this Italian-inspired dish promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups red sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 2 cups of red sauce, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the red sauce and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After the sauce has simmered, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce and chicken.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
- Serve the chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it can turn bitter and ruin the entire sauce's flavor profile.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining - it can help you adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to your red sauce.
- If you want to prep ahead, this dish reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
