Easy Chicken Spaghetti Quick and Creamy Meal Guide

Are you ready for a meal that’s quick, creamy, and full of flavor? In this guide, I’ll walk you through my easy chicken spaghetti recipe that anyone can make. With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Let’s dive into this tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights but feels like a special treat!

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

– 8 oz spaghetti

– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

– 1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh basil leaves

– Extra grated Parmesan cheese

– Crushed red pepper flakes

Recommended Equipment

– Large pot for cooking spaghetti

– Large skillet for sautéing and sauce

– Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Cutting board and knife for slicing chicken and garlic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Spaghetti

Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of spaghetti to the pot. Cook it until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain the spaghetti. Be sure to save ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Set the spaghetti aside on a plate.

Sautéing the Chicken

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb of thinly sliced boneless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook it for 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken out and place it on a plate.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add 4 finely minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low to let the flavors blend.

Combining Ingredients

Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. They should soften and release their juices. Next, stir in the sautéed chicken and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture.

Final Mixing and Serving

Gently add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your creamy garlic chicken spaghetti in bowls. Garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Cook Spaghetti Perfectly

To cook spaghetti just right, start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. This helps the pasta taste good. Bring the water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Check the package for cooking time. When done, drain the spaghetti but save some pasta water. This water helps if your sauce gets too thick.

Best Seasoning Practices

Seasoning makes a dish shine. Use salt and pepper on the chicken before cooking. This adds flavor right away. When you make the sauce, add the dried Italian herbs. These herbs give a nice taste. Stir the sauce often to mix in the flavors. Taste the sauce before serving. You may want to add more salt or pepper to make it just right.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One big mistake is burning the garlic. Sauté it on medium heat and watch it closely. If it burns, your sauce will taste bad. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Lastly, don’t skip saving the pasta water. It can save a dry sauce and help it stick to the pasta.

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can easily add vegetables to your chicken spaghetti. This adds color, flavor, and nutrition. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them and add them to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté them until tender before adding cream and broth. You can also toss in peas or broccoli for a nice crunch and fresh taste. These veggies pair well with the creamy sauce.

Protein Alternatives

If you want to switch up the protein, I have great options. You can use shrimp instead of chicken. Just cook the shrimp until pink and add them to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both will soak up the flavors of the sauce. You can also try using turkey or even cooked sausage for a heartier dish.

Spice it Up: Heat Variations

Do you like a little heat? You can easily spice up your chicken spaghetti. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic as it cooks. This gives the dish a nice kick. If you want more heat, try diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the creamy flavor.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your chicken spaghetti fresh, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat, take out the leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet. Heat over low until warm. For the microwave, cover the bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This way, the pasta stays creamy and does not dry out.

Freezing Tips

If you want to save chicken spaghetti for later, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?

Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just cook it as you would regular spaghetti. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Whole wheat may need a few extra minutes.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. If you want a lighter option, try unsweetened almond milk. These substitutes may change the creaminess a bit, but they still taste good.

How long can I store the chicken spaghetti?

You can store chicken spaghetti in the fridge for three to four days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this chicken spaghetti in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it cools down. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken spaghetti is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into portions. It reheats well and stays delicious for several days.

This blog post covered all the steps to make a tasty chicken spaghetti. We looked at the ingredients, cooking methods, and handy tips. You learned ways to tweak the recipe with different veggies and proteins. Plus, we discussed how to store leftovers and reheating tips to keep your meal fresh.

Cooking can be fun and simple. Now, grab your ingredients and start your cooking adventure! Enjoy every bite, and remember to share this recipe with friend