Spaghetti And Chicken
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh basil tossed with al dente spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines savory, tangy, and aromatic elements for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until the onion is soft but not browned.
- Add chicken breast pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the tomato chunks, black olives, and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes, then add the basil leaves.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot.
- Toss the spaghetti with the chicken and vegetable mixture until well coated.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If you don't have black olives, green olives can be a great substitute. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition. For a twist, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, especially if you enjoy spicy dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside a glass of white wine. For an Italian twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out other Italian recipes that highlight chicken, such as Chicken Scaloppini.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And Chicken contains roughly 653 calories, with 17g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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 more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as it may take a little longer to become tender compared to regular spaghetti.
What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don't have any?
If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, parsley or oregano can also add a nice flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta option. There are many varieties available made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
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).