Summer Spaghetti(Delicious All Year Round!)
A vibrant summer-inspired spaghetti dish featuring fresh tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. firm ripe fresh plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 6 pitted green olives ⓘ
- 2 medium cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shredded fresh basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 4 half chicken breasts, skinned and boned
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake, covered, in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the chicken.
- Combine the stewed tomatoes, cornstarch, and oregano in a saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the heated tomato sauce over the baked chicken breasts.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce as it cooks. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; feel free to increase basil or parsley according to your liking. Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Summer Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Cacciatore(To Be Served Over Medium-Size Spaghetti). Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving can elevate the dish further. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Spaghetti(Delicious All Year Round!) contains roughly 949 calories, with 43g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (258% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% 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, while spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type you choose to ensure it's cooked properly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or using a spicy variety of olives. You can also serve the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and bake the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them and reheat as instructed for an easy, quick meal.
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).