Light Chicken Spaghetti
Light Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz skinned and boned uncooked chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a large skillet with vegetable cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add diced onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces, cover, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over hot cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the diced green pepper with diced zucchini or yellow squash. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of uncooked chicken breast. For a heartier dish, you can also add cooked mushrooms or carrots. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference or try adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Light Chicken Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, serve with a lemon wedge or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. You can also complement it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 257 calories, with 10g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (433% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and cook the spaghetti fresh before serving. This helps maintain the pasta's texture and ensures a deliciously warm meal when it's time to eat.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative that adds extra fiber to the dish. Cook it according to package instructions, and it will pair perfectly with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. They provide protein and absorb the flavors of the dish well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they're heated through.
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).