- Chicken Spaghetti

$For a tasty chicken spaghetti, you need a mix of fresh and pantry items. Here are the main ingredients: - Fresh Ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 2 cups fresh spinach - Pantry Staples: - 12 oz spaghetti - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Toppings and Garnishes: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Now, let’s look at the nutritional side. This dish is not just delicious but also packs a punch in nutrients. - Calories per Serving: About 550 calories - Macronutrient Breakdown: Each serving contains roughly: - 30g protein - 35g carbohydrates - 35g fat - Health Benefits of Main Ingredients: - Chicken provides lean protein for muscle health. - Spinach adds vitamins A and C, plus iron. - Olive oil offers healthy fats that are good for your heart. This chicken spaghetti recipe brings together flavor and nutrition in one bowl. You can find the Full Recipe above to guide you through the steps! To cook spaghetti perfectly, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a full boil before adding the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package's time. I like to set a timer to avoid overcooking. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. After cooking, drain the spaghetti but save 1 cup of that pasta water. This water is magic for your sauce. It has starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce to the spaghetti. For juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Slice them into strips for even cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through. You can add flavor with spices like garlic powder or paprika. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also enhance the taste. To make a smooth sauce, use the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. First, add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute. Then, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If your sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a creamy texture that clings to your spaghetti. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together with the spaghetti. This dish is all about combining flavors from the chicken, sauce, and pasta. If you want the full recipe, check it out for more details! - Overcooking chicken: Cook the chicken until it's golden brown. Aim for about 6-7 minutes. Check it with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and tough. - Forgetting to reserve pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s great for adjusting the sauce. A little starchy water makes your dish creamy and smooth. - Additional seasoning suggestions: Use garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add brightness. - Using homemade vs. store-bought options: Homemade chicken broth gives a deeper taste. If time is short, store-bought works too. Just choose low-sodium versions to control the salt. - Best side dishes to pair: A crisp green salad works well. Garlic bread is a great choice too. Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition. - Recommended wine pairings: A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce. If you prefer red, try a Pinot Noir. Both enhance the meal's flavors. You can find the full recipe for this dish to ensure every bite is delicious! {{image_2}} You can easily make chicken spaghetti vegetarian. Replace the chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. These options can absorb flavors well and add protein to your dish. Add more vegetables for a colorful meal. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They not only bring flavor but also texture. Toss them in with the garlic when you sauté for the best taste. For a lighter dish, consider low-calorie variations. Use less cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt. This keeps the creaminess while cutting down on fat. You can also use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. Choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. Whole grain adds fiber, while gluten-free can help those with sensitivities. Both options keep your meal tasty and hearty. Elevate your dish with flavorful add-ins. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the sauce. You can also add a touch of lemon juice for a zesty kick. For different dietary needs, adapt the recipe easily. Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a unique taste. This makes the dish friendly for many diets and keeps it delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your chicken spaghetti fresh, store it in airtight containers. Glass containers work well. They keep the food fresh and let you see what's inside. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can reheat chicken spaghetti in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the food in a bowl. Cover it with a lid or a paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. To keep the sauce from separating, add a bit of extra cream or reserved pasta water while reheating. Stir well to mix it back together. Freezing chicken spaghetti is great for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date so you can track freshness. When you're ready to eat, thaw the spaghetti overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, use a microwave on defrost. After thawing, follow the reheating tips to warm it up. Enjoy a tasty meal anytime with this easy chicken spaghetti recipe! You can prep Chicken Spaghetti in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta but keep them separate. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, mix them with the sauce and heat. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Penne, fusilli, or even whole grain pasta work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Definitely! Chicken Spaghetti is kid-friendly. To please picky eaters, you can cut the chicken into smaller bits. You may also leave out sun-dried tomatoes if your kids prefer simpler flavors. Serve with a side salad to balance the meal. You can serve garlic bread or a simple green salad with Chicken Spaghetti. A light Caesar salad pairs nicely too. These add a fresh touch and complement the creamy dish. Chicken Spaghetti has roots in Southern cuisine. It blends Italian and American flavors. Over time, many variations have emerged. Each region adds its own twist, making it a beloved comfort food. For a detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe. This blog post has shown you how to make delicious Chicken Spaghetti. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking tips, and nutrition facts. I shared steps for cooking juicy chicken and a creamy sauce. We discussed common mistakes and flavor tips to enhance your dish. In the end, Chicken Spaghetti is not just easy to make; it’s also adaptable. Feel free to switch ingredients based on your tastes and needs. Enjoy creating your version of this classic dish for family and friends!$

Looking for a delicious meal that's easy to make? Try my savory chicken spaghetti recipe! This flavorful dish combines juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce your family will love. With simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you'll impress everyone at the dinner table. Don’t miss out on the tips and variations for making this dish your own.

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt down, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the chicken and sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4