It was one of those busy nights when everyone was hungry, and I had no clue what to make. I grabbed some chicken, spaghetti, and staples from the pantry, and it quickly became a family favorite. David and the kids loved the flavors and how everything came together.
This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, blending simple ingredients into something satisfying.
Ingredients in Easy Chicken Spaghetti
This Easy Chicken Spaghetti combines straightforward ingredients that create a rich meal. Each component adds its own flavor, turning a busy weeknight into something special.
- Chicken Breast: The main protein that’s juicy and filling. Cut it into small chunks for quicker cooking.
- Onion: Adds a savory base flavor. Dice it finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth. Freshly chopped works best, but pre-minced is fine for speed.
- Spaghetti: The classic that makes this dish hearty. Cook it just al dente to hold up when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Spinach: Adds color and nutrients. Toss it in at the end for a bright pop.
- Cream: Makes the dish rich and smooth. Don’t skimp on this for that creamy texture.
- Parmesan: For a salty, umami finish. Grate it finely so it melts into the dish easily.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken and vegetables, helping to build flavor.
- Gochujang: Adds a spicy kick and depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall profile.
- Tomato Puree: Provides a rich base that complements the chicken and spices.
How to Make Easy Chicken Spaghetti
This Easy Chicken Spaghetti comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights. Let’s dive in and whip up a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Sear Chicken: Heat a large pan over high heat and add olive oil. Toss in the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. You’ll hear a nice sizzle as it cooks.
Deglaze Pan: Remove the chicken and set it aside. Pour a splash of water into the hot pan to deglaze it, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Add the diced onion and cook over medium-low heat for 4 minutes until the onion is soft and transparent.
Cook Spaghetti: While the onion’s cooking, add the spaghetti to a pot of heavily salted boiling water. Set your timer for the packet time minus 2 minutes—this’ll ensure it’s al dente when mixed later.
Build Sauce: Add the tomato puree and garlic to the pan with the onions. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until everything’s well combined.
Combine: Stir in the spinach and cooked chicken. Mix everything together well. Next, drain your spaghetti and toss it into the pan, loosening the mix with a ladle of water as you stir.
Finish Up: Add two-thirds of the parmesan and stir with tongs, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with the extra parmesan.
Enjoy this quick and tasty meal!
Switch It Up: Easy Variations
When life gets hectic, it’s nice to know you can tweak this recipe a bit to keep things interesting. Here are some fun variations you can try based on what you have on hand:
Gochujang Substitute: Can’t find gochujang? Swap it for hot honey to get a sweet and spicy kick that works well in this dish.
Heat Alternative: If you want some heat without the sweetness, red pepper flakes or green chilies can bring the spice without changing the flavor profile too much.
Vegetable Additions: Toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and color. Just throw them in with the onions during step two.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, switch out the cream and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives. It’ll still be creamy and enjoyable!
These tweaks keep things fresh without straying too far from the original recipe.
Keeping the Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about three months. Just remember to label it with the date so you know when to enjoy it again!
When it comes time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop on low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy while stirring often. This helps prevent the sauce from separating or burning. It’ll warm up nicely, and you’ll be ready to dig in again!
Perfect Pairings for Easy Chicken Spaghetti
This Easy Chicken Spaghetti is rich and creamy, so it’s nice to balance it out with some lighter sides. Here are a couple of options that work perfectly alongside it.
What to Serve Alongside
Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery crunch of garlic bread complements the creamy elements, adding that satisfying bite. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your bowl.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and lightness to the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed veggies are a great way to add some color and nutrients to your plate.
Toppings & Garnishes
- Parmesan: A sprinkle of extra parmesan elevates the dish.
I can’t wait for you to give this a go! What sides do you think would work best for your family?
Easy Chicken Spaghetti for Quick Weeknight Meals
Ingredients
Method
- To a large frying pan over a high heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the chicken. Season with salt and pepper and fry for around 6 minutes, or until browned and cooked though.
- Set the chicken aside and deglaze the pan with a splash of water. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, along with the onion. Season with salt and pepper and fry over a medium/low heat for 4 minutes.
- During this time, add the spaghetti to heavily salted boiling water. Set your timer to the packet time minus 2 minutes.
- Next, add the tomato puree, gochujang and garlic. Fry for 4-5 more minutes, then add around 200ml of pasta water.
- Add the spinach, cooked chicken and cream into the pan and stir to combine. Transfer the undercooked spaghetti into the pan and loosen with a few ladles of pasta water whilst stirring to incorporate.
- Add two thirds of the parmesan and stir using tongs, adding more pasta water if necessary. Serve into bowls and top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, fresh basil and a crack of black pepper. Enjoy!
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