Oven Chicken And Pasta
Oven-baked chicken with a savory garlic and basil butter sauce, complemented by spinach and pasta, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Melt butter in a 10 x 15-inch baking dish in the oven.
- Stir in the sliced onion, pressed garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper into the melted butter.
- Place the chicken thighs and/or leg pieces in the butter mixture, turning them to coat evenly.
- Bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Add the thawed and drained chopped spinach to the baked chicken dish or serve alongside.
- Serve the baked chicken with the cooked pasta and spinach.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the butter mixture for a few hours before baking. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using olive oil instead of butter. You can also substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. For a bit of acidity, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving, which pairs beautifully with Jerry's Lemon Garlic Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken alongside the cooked pasta and spinach for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or garlic bread makes excellent sides. For a heartier dish, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. This recipe is also great with a side of steamed vegetables for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This will help maintain the chicken's moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Chicken And Pasta contains roughly 1066 calories, with 13g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. However, the cooking time may be reduced, so start checking for doneness at around 25-30 minutes. Boneless cuts can be just as flavorful, especially when coated in the butter and spices.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
While linguine or fettuccine are recommended, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, following the package instructions for best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the butter mixture a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking. This can also enhance the flavors, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).