Italian Chicken Over Spaghetti
Creamy Italian chicken baked with cheese and tomato sauce, rich in savory flavors. Perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings with spaghetti on the side.
Ingredients
- 2 (2 lb.) chickens, cut up or 1 package of chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano (powdered) ⓘ
- dash salt ⓘ
- dash pepper
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese (6 oz.) ⓘ
- 3 slices Provolone cheese (4 1/2 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a roaster, combine chicken pieces, tomato sauce, tomato soup, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, stir the mixture, and top with Mozzarella and Provolone cheeses.
- Cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Mix well and serve over cooked spaghetti.
- Let stand for about 15 minutes before serving and stir again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half of the milk with sour cream. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try using fresh oregano instead of dried. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This dish can also be adapted with different cheeses like Asiago or Gouda for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Chicken Over Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the rich flavors. For a touch of brightness, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken Rotini Cacciatore for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. Adding a bit of milk can help keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Over Spaghetti contains roughly 1689 calories, with 71g protein, 340g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (699% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2704mg per serving (118% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken pieces can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. You may want to reduce the initial baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, or even a mix of both. Adding a bit of Italian seasoning can help mimic the flavor of tomato sauce in this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).