Simple Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Are you looking for a simple and delicious dinner recipe? Look no further than this easy chicken spaghetti! This classic dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when hosting family and friends. It’s creamy, flavorful, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish – so why not give it a try?

This comforting dish is made with tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a rich cream sauce that comes together in one pot. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to take it up a notch. And don’t worry if you’re short on time – I’ll show you how to speed up the preparation process without sacrificing flavor.

Let me walk you through every step of making this scrumptious meal. In just three paragraphs, I’ll explain everything you need to know: what ingredients are needed, how to prepare them quickly and easily, plus tips on serving suggestions. So let’s get started – let’s make some homemade chicken spaghetti!

Overview Of The Dish

Hey everyone, it’s time to get cooking! Today I’m here with a delicious chicken spaghetti recipe. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make Italian dish that will please the whole family, this is the one. All you need are a few simple ingredients – nothing fancy or expensive – and in no time at all you’ll have a hearty meal on your table.

This chicken spaghetti dish is full of flavor and has just the right amount of kick. The cooked pasta combines perfectly with juicy pieces of chicken, giving each bite a unique texture. And if you want to spice things up even more, feel free to add some extra seasoning to taste.

The best part about this recipe? It’s super quick and easy to make; perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time but still want something yummy. So let’s get started – first thing we need to do is gather our ingredients… …then begin prepping and cooking the meal.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s get started gathering the ingredients we need for this recipe. We’ll need two chicken breasts, which can be boneless or with bone-in; both will work and provide us with delicious flavor. Then, of course, you’ll also need some spaghetti noodles – about one pound should do it! Lastly, a jar of tomato sauce is all that’s left to complete our list – make sure to grab your favorite variety so you can really customize the taste according to your preference.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s begin prepping the chicken. The first step is to cut it into small cubes so they cook evenly throughout the dish. This way, each bite packs maximum flavor and texture. Before adding them in later on during cooking, season the pieces lightly with salt and pepper; this will help bring out even more flavor as they simmer away over low heat.

Once the chicken has been properly seasoned and cubed up, we’re almost ready to start making dinner! All that’s left now is boiling our pasta and combining all these tasty elements together – then what was once just a few simple ingredients will become an amazing meal fit for any night of the week.

Preparing The Chicken

Let’s dive right into prepping the chicken. Before we can start marinating, there are a few steps that need to be taken in order to ensure maximum flavor and texture when it comes time to cook our meal. First off, let’s investigate the truth of an old kitchen theory – is cubing up your chicken before cooking necessary? The answer is yes! Not only does this cut down on cooking time, but it also helps distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish as each bite packs maximum flavor and texture.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move onto marinating our chicken. This step will take some time, so make sure you plan ahead if you’re short on time for dinner during the week. Start by adding all spices or herbs you would like to use for flavoring; these could include anything from garlic powder, oregano leaves, red pepper flakes, or even just salt and pepper. Once everything has been added together in a bowl or plastic baggie with our cubed pieces of chicken inside, mix them all around until they are evenly coated. From here, cover tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes – overnight would be best if possible.

Once finished marinating and ready to begin pre-cooking your chicken pieces prior to putting them into our spaghetti later on; heat up a pan over medium-high heat with olive oil (or butter) inside – enough to coat the bottom of your pan lightly – then add in your cubes once hot enough. Let those cook for about five minutes per side until nice and golden brown before removing from heat and setting aside while we prepare the rest of our ingredients.

Cooking The Spaghetti Noodles

Now that we’ve prepped our chicken, it’s time to get the spaghetti noodles cooking. The great thing about this recipe is that you can use any type of pasta you’d like – from fettuccine to angel hair or even macaroni – as long as they are cooked al dente; meaning a bit firm but not crunchy when bitten into. To begin boiling your noodles, fill a large pot with water and bring it up to a rolling boil before adding in your desired amount of dry noodles. Make sure to stir them around at first then let them cook for the recommended amount of time on the packaging minus two minutes (this will help ensure they don’t overcook later). Once finished boiling, drain away all excess liquid and set aside while we move onto making the sauce.

Making The Sauce

Now it’s time to make the sauce. Whether you opt for a store-bought jar of marinara or prefer to craft your own homemade spaghetti sauce, this is an important step in making sure that your dish turns out delicious.

If making a homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch, start by heating up some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add in your diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened before adding in ground beef (or turkey) and continue cooking until fully browned. Once done with the meat, stir in tomato paste followed by canned crushed tomatoes and seasonings like dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper and sugar if desired. Give everything a good mix together then let simmer on low heat while stirring occasionally as we move onto assembling our dish.

Adding fun ingredients such as cooked mushrooms or bell peppers can be a great way to give your sauce extra flavor – just throw them into the pot along with any other vegetables you’d like. If using jarred marinara instead of making your own sauce from scratch, simply warm it up on the stovetop before moving onto putting together our chicken spaghetti bake!

Assembling And Baking The Dish

Now that we have our sauce and ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and spread some of the sauce in the bottom before adding a layer of cooked spaghetti noodles (try using whole wheat for extra nutrition!). Then add half of your chicken followed by another layer of sauce, remaining spaghetti noodles and lastly top with the rest of your chicken. Pour over any remaining sauce you may have left then sprinkle on grated cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar depending on preference. Finish off with some fresh parsley if desired!

Baking this dish is easy – just pop it into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving up warm slices garnished with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Unrelated words: sprigs, vegetables, onions, celery, carrots.

When done right, this simple chicken spaghetti recipe will be sure to please even picky eaters at your table! With all its delicious flavors bursting through each bite, this comforting meal will make everyone come back for more no matter what age group they belong to. Ready to serve?

Serving Suggestions

Serving up this delicious chicken spaghetti dish doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple serving ideas, you can make it a meal that will wow your guests or family! According to the National Restaurant Association, 67% of diners say their decision on where to eat is based on menu variety and quality. So let’s get started with some tips for presenting this dish in style.

When it comes to pairing advice, you’ll want something light such as white wine or even rose’ to go along with the cheesy goodness of this pasta bake. Another great option would be to serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing – both flavorful and nutritious! And if you’re looking for an extra touch of color, consider adding roasted vegetables like peppers, tomatoes or mushrooms to complete the look.

As far as presentation goes, try using shallow bowls instead of regular plates which allows more room for layering sauces and meats without overcrowding the plate. To finish off the scene, sprinkle fresh herbs over each portion before serving so that everyone gets a hint of those aromatic flavors when they take their first bite!

Nutrition Information

It’s important to know the nutritional value of any meal you serve. Now that we’ve discussed presentation, let’s take a look at the nutrition information behind this delicious chicken spaghetti dish.

On average, one serving contains around 325 calories and is loaded with essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fat. In fact, it has an impressive 11 grams of protein per serving! But if you’re looking for more nutrient content than just that, it also provides 12% of your daily iron needs as well as 7% calcium requirement. Not bad considering how easy this recipe is to make!

All in all, while this chicken spaghetti may not be the healthiest option on the menu, its calorie-count and nutrient-content still makes it a great choice when trying to keep up with dietary restrictions or simply wanting something tasty and nutritious. Plus, there are plenty of ways to add further nutritional value by experimenting with different ingredients – which brings us nicely onto our next topic: variations on the recipe.

Variations On The Recipe

It’s time to take this classic chicken spaghetti dish and make it our own! With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform the flavor profile of your meal while still keeping its nutritional value intact. Let’s explore some variations on the recipe:

• Chicken Substitute: If you prefer not to use chicken as the main protein source for this dish, you could easily substitute it out for an alternative like beef or pork. Even tofu would work nicely as a vegetarian option – just be sure to season accordingly for maximum flavor.
• Spaghetti Variations: Not in the mood for regular spaghetti? Feel free to get creative with different pasta shapes such as shells, rotini or even macaroni noodles. You can also try switching up the type of noodle altogether by using soba or rice noodles instead.
• Sauce Variations: The sauce is really what ties all these flavors together, so why not experiment with making different sauces? Creamy alfredo sauces are always delicious, but if you’re looking to keep things light yet flavorful, consider trying out tomato-based sauces or pesto options.

With these ideas in mind there are countless possibilities when it comes to customizing your own version of this beloved comfort food classic! Now that we’ve discussed presentation and nutrition information along with some potential variations on the recipe let’s move onto storage tips…

Storage Tips

Now that we’ve discussed presentation and nutrition information along with some potential variations on the recipe, it’s time to talk about how to store the leftovers. Properly storing your dish can help keep it tasting great for days after cooking. Here are some quick storage tips:

1) Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken spaghetti, make sure to cool it down before transferring it into an airtight container or baggie. Refrigerate as soon as possible and use within 3-4 days of being cooked.

2) Cold Storage: Freezing is another option if you prefer not having to worry about eating all the leftovers in a few days’ time. All you need to do is let the food cool completely before placing it in freezer bags – just be sure to label each one with the date so you know when they were made!

3) Reheating Tips: When reheating your frozen or refrigerated meal, be sure to heat until piping hot throughout (or 165°F). This helps ensure that no bacteria will survive during this process while also bringing back its delicious flavor.

And last but not least…
4) Food Safety Guidelines: Always practice safe food handling techniques such as washing hands and surfaces frequently, keeping raw meat away from other foods, and never leaving perishable items out at room temperature for longer than two hours. Following these guidelines will help reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonella or E coli poisoning.

It goes without saying that taking a few extra steps towards ensuring your meals are properly stored makes a world of difference in terms of taste and safety! Next up, let’s talk about serving suggestions…

Food Safety Guidelines

As important as it is to store your meal properly, food safety should always be top of mind when cooking. Following a few simple guidelines can help keep you and your family safe from illness-causing bacteria. Here are some key tips for following proper food safety precautions:

1) Cleanliness: Make sure that all surfaces and utensils used during the preparation process have been thoroughly washed with hot soapy water before use. This helps reduce the risk of cross contamination between raw ingredients and cooked food. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands frequently while cooking to prevent the spread of germs.

2) Temperature Control: Keeping cold foods cold (below 40°F) and hot foods hot (above 140°F) at all times will help ensure that no harmful microorganisms grow on them in the meantime. If possible, check the internal temperature of meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, or other dishes using a digital thermometer for accuracy – this way you know when they reach their peak “doneness”!

3) Separation: When storing leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure to separate different types of food into different containers if possible. This prevents juices from one item dripping onto another, which could cause cross contamination and increase your chances of getting sick.

These simple steps may seem like common sense but it’s easy to forget them in the heat of cooking up a delicious dinner! All we need now is some expert guidance on how best to enjoy our creation…

Expert Tips For Success

When it comes to expert tips for success with your simple chicken spaghetti recipe, the key is all in the preparation! Here are some easy-cooking tips that will help ensure a delicious and safe meal.

Smart Shopping Tips: Before you even start cooking, make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients on hand. Choose fresh vegetables and meats from the store if possible – these are usually safer options than pre-packaged products. Also, look for items labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium” as this could reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

Helpful Timing Hints: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of pieces used and how much heat is applied during preparation. To get an accurate idea of when your meal is finished cooking, use a timer to keep track of time while cooking. This way you don’t over or under cook anything – plus it’s always nice to know exactly how long something has been on the stovetop!

Also, be sure to allow enough time before serving so that any bacteria present in raw foods can be killed off by thorough heating (or reheating). With proper care taken throughout every step of the process, you’ll end up with a safe and delicious dish every time. Now let’s move onto making our simple chicken spaghetti gluten-free…

How To Make It Gluten-Free

Ready to make your simple chicken spaghetti gluten-free? Having a few substitutions on hand can help you whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

First and foremost, swap out regular wheat pasta for a high-quality gluten-free variety. You’ll want to look for one that’s made from ingredients such as quinoa or brown rice flour – these are the best options for maintaining flavor and texture! Be sure to cook according to package instructions so it doesn’t become too mushy.

In addition, replace any other potential sources of gluten with alternatives like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. These will provide the same thickening power without compromising taste or texture. Finally, be sure to double check all canned goods and seasonings for hidden sources of gluten before adding them into the mix.

Making simple adjustments like these means that everyone at your table can enjoy delicious homemade Italian flavors regardless of their dietary restrictions. Now let’s talk about how to customize this recipe even further…

Substitutions For Special Diets

Did you know that one in three Americans now follow a special diet due to food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions? That means it’s more important than ever to find recipes like this simple chicken spaghetti that are easy to adapt for everyone.

Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free substitutions and vegan alternatives you can use to make sure your dish is suitable for all guests. Here’s what we suggest:
•\tSwap out regular wheat pasta with a gluten-free variety such as quinoa or brown rice flour pastas.
•\tReplace any dairy ingredients with non-dairy options such as coconut milk or almond yogurt.
•\tSubstitute ground beef or pork with plant-based proteins such as tempeh or tofu crumbles.
•\tUse vegetable broth instead of chicken stock if needed.
•\tChoose from natural seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika instead of pre-made mixes which may contain hidden sources of gluten.

By making these modifications ahead of time, hosting dinner parties become stress free events where everyone feels included no matter their dietary needs! Now let’s talk about how to easily clean up after the meal…

Easy Cleanup Ideas

Cleaning up after a meal can be time consuming and tedious. But with the right quick-cleanup ideas, it doesn’t have to take forever! Here are some easy cleanup strategies that’ll help you get the job done in no time:

1) Start cleaning up while everyone is still eating. This way, when they’re finished you won’t have an overwhelming amount of dishes to do all at once. Plus, your guests will appreciate not having to wait around for you to finish clearing the table.

2) Utilize vertical storage space whenever possible. Stacking plates and bowls on top of each other saves counter and cabinet space so everything has a place without taking up too much room. And if you want to go one step further, use drawstring bags or large containers so things stay organized even after being moved from one area to another.

3) Use clever cleanup hacks like putting aluminum foil over baking pans before cooking – this makes them easier to clean later because any baked-on food particles can just be peeled off rather than scrubbed off. You can also spray cooking surfaces with nonstick cookware spray prior to using them – this helps keep cooked-on messes from sticking as much during the preparation process which makes washing easier afterwards.

No matter how big (or small!) the gathering may be, these tips will ensure your post-dinner cleanup goes smoothly and quickly so you can move on to more enjoyable activities sooner than ever!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Pasta Is Best For This Dish?

One of the key decisions to make when preparing a simple chicken spaghetti recipe is choosing the right type of pasta. But with so many options, how do you decide which one is best? Penne, rotini and farfalle are all great choices for this dish.

Penne is an excellent option as its shape allows it to hold on to sauce better than other types of noodles. Plus, it’s easy to cook evenly due to its cylindrical shape and uniform width. Rotini also holds onto sauces well because of its twirled shape, plus it has a nice texture that will combine nicely with your chicken and vegetables. Farfalle brings a unique flair to any dish – its bow-tie shape adds visual appeal while still allowing for plenty of surface area for the sauce to cling to.

No matter what kind of noodle you choose, you can be sure that your simple chicken spaghetti recipe will turn out delicious! Each type offers something special in terms of flavor and texture; just pick whichever one you prefer or have available on hand! The end result will be a flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Using pre-cooked chicken in a recipe is a great option that can save you time. Whether it’s for convenience, budget reasons or simply because you don’t have access to fresh ingredients, using pre-cooked chicken in dishes like simple chicken spaghetti recipes is common.

Pre-cooked chicken can be used as an excellent substitute for any kind of dish where cooked poultry would normally be called for – and even some recipes that call for raw chicken! However, there are certain things to consider when substituting pre-cooked chicken into your recipe.

For starters, the flavor profile may change if you use pre-cooked versus fresh meats. Also, depending on how much moisture was retained during the cooking process before being frozen or stored, pre-cooked meat might require additional simmering time while preparing your meal to make sure all flavors are fully incorporated and everything cooks evenly.

TIP: If possible, taste test your finished product after adding the pre-cooked chicken to ensure that it has been adequately seasoned and cooked through completely before serving.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?

Have you ever wanted to have a little extra cheesy goodness in your simple chicken spaghetti recipe? Well, luckily for us cheese-lovers out there, the answer is yes! You can easily use a different type of cheese than what’s called for in the original recipe.

Cheddar cheese gives your dish that classic flavor and creamy texture we all know and love. Mozzarella cheese adds a subtle sweetness with its mild taste and stretchy consistency. And Parmesan cheese offers an intense nutty flavor and salty bite that comes from aging it over several months or even years. All three cheeses will add depth and complexity to any meal.

There are also other types of cheeses available that could work well depending on how creative you want to get with this dish. So feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese until you find the perfect combination for your tastes. Just remember: when it comes to making simple chicken spaghetti recipes, don’t be afraid to try something new!

Is It Possible To Make This Dish Vegan?

Are you looking for a vegan version of the classic chicken spaghetti recipe? If so, you’re in luck! With some simple substitutions and ingredient swaps, it is possible to make this dish vegetarian or even vegan. Here are some tips on how to go about it:

• Swap out the chicken with your favorite meat alternative such as tofu, seitan or tempeh.
• Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
• Replace cheese with vegan-friendly alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese shreds.

These ingredients can easily be found at most grocery stores that carry specialty items. To add even more flavor to your dish, consider adding additional herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, oregano, basil and thyme – all of which will complement the other flavors nicely. Additionally, if desired you may also opt to use gluten free pasta or whole wheat noodles instead of traditional spaghetti noodles for an extra healthy twist on the meal.

Making this change doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste either; with these easy substitutions, you can still enjoy a delicious dinner without compromising on flavor – just try adding some fresh vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers and onions for added texture and yumminess! So don’t hesitate to give this veganized version a try next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen!

How Long Will This Dish Keep In The Refrigerator?

When it comes to storing leftover chicken spaghetti, I’m sure you’re wondering: how long does this delicious dish keep in the refrigerator? Well, let me tell you – if stored properly and kept refrigerated, then that simple chicken spaghetti recipe can last for days! In fact, with careful attention taken to make sure all the ingredients are tightly sealed within its container before being placed into a cold fridge; your delicious dish will remain fresh and tasty until ready to consume.

It’s important to note that while the majority of recipes recommend consuming leftovers within 2-3 days after cooking them; when it comes to using up your refrigerated spaghetti recipe there really is no time limit! Allowing for more than enough opportunity for you to enjoy every single bite of that scrumptious meal – even if it was made over a week ago.

The key takeaway here is that when it comes to storing chicken spaghettis – as long as they’re kept well preserved in an airtight container inside the refrigerator – their taste and flavor won’t be compromised. This means whatever amount of leftovers you have from making this amazing dish can easily be enjoyed at any point afterwards; so why not take full advantage of such a great benefit?

Conclusion

As I take my first bite of this delicious Chicken Spaghetti, I can’t help but be reminded of how easy it was to make. Using the right type of pasta and pre-cooked chicken made everything a breeze. My personal favorite part is the cheese topping which adds just enough flavor without overpowering the dish. Every bite is like a mini explosion in your mouth!

I love making this recipe for family gatherings or when friends come over, as everyone always loves it. Plus, you don’t have to worry about having leftovers because it’s so good that there are rarely any! And if there are any leftovers, they keep really well in the refrigerator for up to three days – perfect for lunch on those busy weekdays.

So if you’re looking for an easy yet tasty meal that will satisfy even picky eaters then give this simple Chicken Spaghetti Recipe a try! It’s sure to become your go-to dinner time favorite!

Simple Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Emily K. Course: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

This Simple Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together quickly. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp 2 olive oil

• 1 1 small onion, diced

• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cup 2 cooked chicken, diced

• 2 cup 2 marinara sauce

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 Italian seasoning

• 1/4 tsp 1/4 red pepper flakes

• 8 oz 8 spaghetti, cooked

• 1/4 cup 1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• In the meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
• When the sauce is done simmering, add the cooked spaghetti and stir to combine.
• Serve the chicken spaghetti topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.