Spaghetti With Chicken
A hearty Italian pasta dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat, perfect for comforting dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a pan with olive oil.
- Skin the chicken thighs and brown them in the oil.
- Add a generous amount of garlic, basil, and hot pepper to the pan.
- Add slightly less oregano and Italian seasoning.
- When the garlic starts to brown, add the large can of tomato sauce and stir.
- Simmer lightly over low heat for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried versions work well; just use about one-third the amount. You can substitute linguini with any pasta you prefer. For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti with a generous sprinkling of fresh Peccarino or Locatelli Romano cheese on top. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely, as well as garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Cacciatore Northern Style. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Chicken contains roughly 156 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 22g 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 use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This will give you tender chicken without the longer cooking time required for bone-in thighs.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce if I don't have any?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be an excellent substitute. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as canned tomatoes may be less seasoned than tomato sauce. You can also use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use plant-based proteins or beans for added texture and protein, and enhance the sauce with extra herbs and spices.
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).