Pasta With Chicken
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich spaghetti sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it offers comforting flavors with a simple preparation that comes together quickly and appeals to all pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic; cook until the chicken and onion are tender.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Serve the sauce over hot cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitution for the raw chicken breast. To make it healthier, you can add in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread, perfect for sopping up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is also a fantastic accompaniment. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a light soup like Quick Minestrone Soup. A sprinkle of fresh basil can elevate presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Chicken contains roughly 622 calories, with 22g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% 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 whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative that adds fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as whole wheat pasta may require a slightly longer cooking duration to reach the desired tenderness.
What can I substitute for spaghetti sauce?
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes with added Italian herbs, or even a homemade marinara sauce. This will give you a fresh flavor and allow you to control the seasoning to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta with chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately from the pasta. Combine them when ready to serve to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
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).