Chicken Spaghetti Dinner

Chicken Spaghetti Dinner Recipe - A Taste of Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce and pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

History

The origins of Chicken Spaghetti Dinner are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to combine two popular ingredients - chicken and pasta. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

4 to 5 lb (2.27 kg) broiler-fryer chicken, cut-up (these days I use the boneless skinless breasts)
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
2 - 3 tbsp olive or canola oil
1 - 2 cloves garlic
0.5 cup chopped sweet onion
1 can (8 oz (227 g)) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz (170 g)) tomato paste
2 cans (15 oz (425 g)) chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp basil
0.5 lb (227 g) uncooked spaghetti
grated parmesan / romano cheese

How to prepare

Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, if desired, and brown them in a large skillet with hot oil.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and pour off all but 3 tbsp of fat.
Saute the onion and garlic until tender, then return the chicken to the pan and add the tomato products, parsley, and basil.
You can also add oregano and some salt, if desired.
Cover the pan tightly and simmer very gently for 1.5 hours for large bone-in chicken pieces, or less for boneless, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Do not cook at a hard boil, as it will make the chicken tough and dry.
Simmer the chicken very gently, just poaching it.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you may need to add a little water.
Taste the dish after an hour and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Enjoy the dish with fresh Italian bread and a green salad.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the chicken well before browning it to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Simmer the chicken gently to ensure it stays tender and juicy.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste as the dish cooks, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Spaghetti Dinner with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the chicken gently ensures that it stays tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for a quicker cooking time.

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Spaghetti Dinner in a large serving dish topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Spaghetti Dinner with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Dinner contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Dinner contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Dinner contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Dinner contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (cheese). It may also contain garlic and onion, which are common allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer evening and I was at a potluck dinner with friends. As I wandered through the buffet line, my eyes landed on a casserole dish filled with steaming hot chicken spaghetti. The cheesy goodness and savory aroma beckoned me closer and I knew I had to try it.

I took a small portion and found a seat at the picnic table. With the first bite, I was in heaven. The tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and creamy sauce blended together perfectly. I couldn't get enough.

After dinner, I sought out the woman who had made the dish. Her name was Mrs. Thompson, a sweet older lady with a twinkle in her eye. I complimented her on the delicious meal and asked for the recipe.

Mrs. Thompson smiled and told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. She offered to write it down for me and I eagerly accepted.

Over the next few weeks, I made the chicken spaghetti dinner for my own family. They loved it just as much as I did. It quickly became a staple in our household, a meal we requested time and time again.

As the years went by, I continued to make the dish, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I added a touch of garlic, a sprinkle of herbs, and a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.

One day, as I was preparing the chicken spaghetti dinner, my granddaughter came into the kitchen. She watched me with curious eyes, asking questions about the recipe and how I learned to make it.

I smiled at her and told her the story of Mrs. Thompson and the potluck dinner all those years ago. My granddaughter's eyes widened with excitement as she listened intently.

"Grandma, will you teach me how to make the chicken spaghetti dinner?" she asked.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of joy at the thought of passing down this beloved recipe to the next generation. I nodded eagerly and invited her to join me in the kitchen.

Together, we gathered the ingredients and started cooking. I showed her how to brown the chicken, cook the spaghetti, and make the creamy sauce. My granddaughter's hands were eager to help, stirring the pot and tasting the sauce to adjust the seasoning.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I watched my granddaughter take her first bite of the chicken spaghetti dinner. Her face lit up in delight, just as mine had all those years ago.

"Grandma, this is amazing! Thank you for teaching me how to make it," she exclaimed.

I patted her hand affectionately and told her that she was welcome. I knew that the tradition of making this recipe would continue in our family for years to come, just as it had been passed down to me.

And so, the story of the chicken spaghetti dinner lives on, a cherished recipe that brings joy and comfort to all who partake in its deliciousness. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful.