Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned chicken spaghetti dish? This recipe takes the classic comfort food to new heights with a rich and creamy tomato sauce and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan is sure to become a new family favorite.
With its perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a luscious tomato-based sauce, this dish delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and a savory punch that takes it over the top. And the best part? It’s all ready in just about an hour, making it an easy and convenient option for busy weeknights.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Chicken Spaghetti recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and tender, the spaghetti is cooked to al dente perfection, and the sauce is a rich and velvety blend of tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. The contrast of the hearty pasta, the savory chicken, and the creamy sauce is simply divine.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this recipe a winner – it’s also the convenience and accessibility. With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this dish is easy to whip up any night of the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it a great option for everything from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings with friends and family.
And let’s not forget the make-ahead possibilities! This Chicken Spaghetti recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a lifesaver for those busy days when you just don’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare “Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan” ❓
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy tomato-based sauce creates a [cuisine type]-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of recipe perennially popular.
📝 How to Make “Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan” Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine. Add the cooked spaghetti and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
• Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian baked spaghetti casseroles, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 666mg
These Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 25% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for the traditional spaghetti.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or omit the Parmesan altogether and season with nutritional yeast.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for additional nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity red for a perfect pairing.
• Complement the dish with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini for added nutrition.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the Chicken Spaghetti alongside a Caesar salad and warm breadsticks.
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with the Chicken Spaghetti, a selection of cured meats, olives, and a variety of cheeses.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not browning the chicken: Taking the time to brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce ensures that it retains its juicy texture and flavorful crust.
• Skipping the simmering step: Allowing the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and develop, creating a richer and more cohesive final dish.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water can be used to thin out the sauce and help it cling to the noodles more effectively.
• Overloading the pan with ingredients: Be sure to use a large enough skillet or pot to accommodate all the components of the dish without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish according to the recipe, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked Chicken Spaghetti to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days before baking. Alternatively, you can assemble the unbaked casserole, cover it, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
While traditional spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the specific pasta shape.
How can I make this recipe more dietary-friendly?
To make this Chicken Spaghetti more suitable for special diets, you can use reduced-fat or dairy-free Parmesan cheese, opt for a low-sodium tomato sauce, and swap the spaghetti for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the tomato sauce for your Chicken Spaghetti seems too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water or a bit of broth to thin it out. This will help the sauce coat the noodles more evenly and create a smoother, creamier texture.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is highly versatile and can be customized with a variety of add-ins. Consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
These Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a casual gathering, they’re sure to impress with their juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and rich, creamy sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Spaghetti dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delectable recipe a try and experience the joy of a comforting, yet elevated, Italian-inspired meal that the whole family will love?
