Speedy Pasta With Chicken
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter.
- Add chopped chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook until chicken and onion are tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and reduce heat.
- Simmer, covered, stirring frequently for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. You can also substitute the spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature fresh herbs, enhancing the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Speedy Pasta With Chicken topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor. This dish is excellent on its own but pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Chicken Italian In Foil for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Pasta With Chicken contains roughly 952 calories, with 39g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute thin spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also add some spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients, making it a delicious option for non-meat eaters.
Is there a way to make this dish creamier?
Absolutely! For a creamier texture, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or cream cheese into the sauce while it simmers. This will give your dish a rich and velvety finish that complements the spaghetti sauce nicely.
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).