Herbed Chicken Over Pasta
Herbed chicken over pasta features tender, seasoned chicken in a flavorful sherry sauce, perfect for a comforting, family-friendly meal with aromatic herbs and rich butter flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter over low heat.
- Dust chicken with flour, shaking off excess.
- Brown chicken in butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add sherry and bring to a boil.
- Cover skillet and cook over low heat until sauce thickens, about 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs, as they remain more tender during cooking. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as substitutes. To thicken the sauce faster, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this herbed chicken over a bed of thin spaghetti and garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Chicken Over Pasta contains roughly 628 calories, with 24g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (250% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe. However, keep in mind that they may dry out more quickly than thighs, so be cautious not to overcook them. Consider brining the chicken beforehand to help retain moisture.
What can I substitute for dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can use white wine or even chicken broth as a substitute. Just remember that using broth will result in a less rich flavor, so you might want to add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain pasta instead of regular spaghetti. You can also reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil. Adding more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, can boost the nutritional content while enhancing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).