A Family Favorite Reinvented: Easy Spaghetti with Savory Chicken

  

Spaghetti is undeniably a beloved classic in households worldwide. It's comforting, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. But sometimes, you want to elevate it beyond just ground meat or simple marinara. That's where this recipe for Spaghetti with Savory Chicken comes in! It takes all the familiar joy of a spaghetti dinner and pairs it with tender, flavorful chicken for a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight when you want something satisfying without too much fuss, but it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. The chicken is cooked to perfection, bathing in a rich tomato-based sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!

Why You'll Love This Spaghetti & Chicken:

• Hearty & Filling: A complete meal in one delicious bowl.
• Flavorful Chicken: The chicken absorbs all the wonderful sauce flavors.
• Family-Friendly: A twist on a classic that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Let's Get Cooking!

This recipe starts by building a flavorful base for the sauce, then cooking the chicken right in it for maximum tenderness and taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1.    Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2.  Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3.  Build the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

4.  Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5.  Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.

6.  Cook Spaghetti: While the chicken and sauce are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

7.  Combine & Serve: You can either add the drained spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss to combine, or serve the chicken and sauce generously spooned over individual portions of spaghetti.

8.  Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

This Spaghetti with Savory Chicken is a heartwarming meal that truly hits the spot. It's sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!