Italian Chicken Spaghetti
A hearty Italian chicken spaghetti dish with savory tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop chicken into small bite-size pieces, ideally when slightly frozen for easier cutting.
- In a large Dutch oven, add olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Add a little salt to the chicken, then stir in the chopped Italian tomatoes, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large stockpot according to the package directions.
- When done cooking, run cold water over the spaghetti to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce in small amounts at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Serve hot with cheese, salad, and garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh garlic and onions instead of powders. You can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness. If you're looking to cut down on carbs, try using zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti. Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your palate. This dish can also be made with leftover chicken for a quicker prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Chicken Spaghetti hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a comforting meal. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it an easy option for busy weeknights. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving it alongside Chicken Cacciatore With Artichoke Hearts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 528 calories, with 56g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (113% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron.
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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the spaghetti fresh before serving, mixing it into the reheated sauce for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added 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).