Cooking Chicken with Spaghetti: A Delicious and Easy Meal

Cooking chicken with spaghetti is a classic and simple meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken with spaghetti in a few easy steps.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. Here are the essentials:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Why Choose Boneless, Skinless Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken is a great choice for this recipe because it’s lean and easy to cook. You can use either chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken breast is a good option if you want a leaner protein, while chicken thighs are better if you want more flavor.

What Type of Spaghetti Should You Use?

There are many types of spaghetti to choose from, but for this recipe, we recommend using traditional spaghetti. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s start cooking the chicken. Here’s how:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You can use dried or fresh herbs, depending on what you have on hand.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use any type of oil you like, but olive oil is a good choice because it has a high smoke point.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken.

Step 4: Remove the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll add it back to the skillet later.

Cooking the Spaghetti

Now that the chicken is cooked, let’s cook the spaghetti. Here’s how:

Step 1: Bring a Pot of Water to a Boil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You can use any type of pot you like, but a large pot is best for cooking spaghetti.

Step 2: Add the Spaghetti

Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook until it’s al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of spaghetti you’re using.

Step 3: Reserve 1 Cup of Pasta Water

Before you drain the spaghetti, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. You’ll use this water later to add moisture to the sauce.

Step 4: Drain the Spaghetti

Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. You’ll add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce later.

Making the Sauce

Now that the chicken and spaghetti are cooked, let’s make the sauce. Here’s how:

Step 1: Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the olive oil. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth and Marinara Sauce

Add the chicken broth and marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the Basil and Oregano

Add the dried basil and oregano to the sauce and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Spaghetti

Add the cooked chicken and spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Reserved Pasta Water

If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Serving and Enjoying

Now that the chicken and spaghetti are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few tips for serving:

Add Some Grated Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese is a great addition to this dish. You can sprinkle it on top of the spaghetti and chicken before serving.

Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are a great addition to this dish. You can chop them up and sprinkle them on top of the spaghetti and chicken before serving.

Serve with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a great side dish for this meal. You can make it by spreading garlic butter on a baguette and baking it in the oven until it’s crispy.

In conclusion, cooking chicken with spaghetti is a simple and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these easy steps, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

What are the ingredients needed for cooking chicken with spaghetti?

To cook chicken with spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, 12 ounces spaghetti, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup chicken broth, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms to make the dish more flavorful.

You can also customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences. For example, you can use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, instead of spaghetti. Additionally, you can use homemade marinara sauce or store-bought sauce, whichever is convenient for you.

How do I cook the chicken for the spaghetti dish?

To cook the chicken, start by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it is browned on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You can then add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until they are softened. This will add flavor to the dish and create a base for the sauce. After that, you can add the marinara sauce and chicken broth to the skillet and stir to combine.

How do I cook the spaghetti for the chicken dish?

To cook the spaghetti, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then, add the spaghetti to the pot and cook until it is al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of spaghetti you are using. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.

It’s essential to cook the spaghetti al dente, as this will help it retain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.

Can I add other ingredients to the chicken and spaghetti dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the chicken and spaghetti dish to make it more flavorful and nutritious. Some options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can add these ingredients to the skillet with the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened.

Adding other ingredients can also help to increase the nutritional value of the dish. For example, cherry tomatoes are high in vitamin C, while spinach is rich in iron. You can also use different herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.

How do I serve the chicken and spaghetti dish?

To serve the chicken and spaghetti dish, start by slicing the cooked chicken into thin strips. Then, place the spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl and top it with the chicken. You can also add some of the marinara sauce on top of the chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

You can serve the chicken and spaghetti dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Can I make the chicken and spaghetti dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken and spaghetti dish ahead of time. To do this, cook the chicken and spaghetti as instructed, then let them cool. You can then refrigerate or freeze the dish for later use.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the microwave or oven until it is hot and steaming. You can also add some extra marinara sauce or chicken broth to the dish to keep it moist. This is a great option for meal prep or for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook.

Is the chicken and spaghetti dish healthy?

The chicken and spaghetti dish can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients you use. Chicken is a lean protein source, and spaghetti is a good source of complex carbohydrates. The marinara sauce is also low in calories and rich in antioxidants.

However, the dish can also be high in calories and sodium, depending on the amount of sauce and cheese you use. To make the dish healthier, you can use whole wheat spaghetti, reduce the amount of sauce and cheese, and add more vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and spinach.