Chicken spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti

25 min
Sometimes simplicity is best, and we guarantee you our chicken spaghetti is nothing less than irresistible. Quite simple but full of aromatic flavours, it is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, our chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce is a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone is sure to enjoy. Buon appetito!
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/chicken-spaghetti/

Instructions

Spaghetti
  • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  • Cook the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until it is tender without being soft.
  • Drain the spaghetti in a colander and then return it to the pot.
Chicken
  • Meanwhile, let the butter melt in a pan until golden. Brown the chicken for approx. 5 minutes. Take it out and sprinkle it with salt.
Tomato sauce
  • Add peeled tomatoes to the pan and divide them in half.
  • Add thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook the sauce over high heat for approx. 3 minutes – stir occasionally.
  • Add chicken and tomato sauce to the pot with the drained spaghetti. Toss well, heat through, and season to taste.
Serve with
  • Mash the cheese slightly. Pour the spaghetti with chicken and tomato sauce into a warm bowl and serve immediately with a sprinkling of salad cheese on top. Garnish with thyme.
Enjoy!
Tip

Every recipe starts with fresh and good-quality ingredients. Use high-quality spaghetti and fresh chicken for the best result. Cook the pasta al dente and be sure to stir it now and then while it is cooking. When pasta starts to boil, it releases starch that can cause it to stick together or to the pan. Stirring it a couple of times will help prevent this. Make sure the chicken is cooked properly, but be careful not to overcook it, or it will become dry and chewy. Once the dish is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving it, as this will allow the flavours to meld together.

Questions about chicken spaghetti

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? Then you need to try our simple recipe for chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce. It is straightforward and uncomplicated, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Read on to learn more about the classic Italian chicken spaghetti.

What is chicken spaghetti?
Chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce is a basic pasta dish made with simple ingredients. The spaghetti is cooked and mixed with an aromatic tomato sauce and small chicken pieces. We garnish ours with salad cheese and fresh thyme right before serving. It is a simple recipe you can throw together in less than 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
How to make chicken spaghetti?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until it is tender. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. In a separate pan, melt butter and brown the chicken for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and set aside. Add peeled tomatoes, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper to a pan, and cook the sauce for roughly 3 minutes while occasionally stirring. Add the chicken and tomato sauce to the pot with spaghetti and toss well. Serve in a warm bowl with salad cheese and thyme on top.
What to serve with chicken spaghetti?
When it comes to side dishes for chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce, there are many delicious options to choose from. You can serve it with crispy garlic bread, a very popular and beloved combination, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to complete the rich flavours of the pasta dish. Roasted or grilled vegetables also make for a satisfying accompaniment with a lovely smoky aroma and a slightly charred texture.
Can you freeze chicken spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze homemade chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce for 2-3 months. But it is important to remember that pasta can become mushy when reheated after being frozen. So, if possible, store and freeze the sauce and chicken without the spaghetti, cooking up a new batch of spaghetti when you are ready to enjoy the leftovers. You can store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before popping it in the freezer. When you are ready to consume it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove or in the microwave. 

Ingredients

Spaghetti
Water
3 l
Coarse salt
1 tbsp
Spaghetti
400 g
Chicken
Butter
20 g
Chicken fillet
400 g
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Tomato sauce
Peeled tomatoes
2 cans
Finely chopped fresh thyme
1½ tbsp
Sugar
1½ tsp
Coarse salt
1½ tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Serve with
White cheese cubes
200 g
Garnish
Fresh thyme springs

Easy chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce

The combination of tender spaghetti, juicy chicken, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible. Because it only requires a few basic ingredients, you can make it in a heartbeat without any fuss. But do not let the simplicity fool you; this pasta dish packs a flavour punch. You get the perfect balance of taste and texture in each bite. The spices and herbs bring out all the wonderful natural flavours of the tomatoes and chicken. But do not just take our word for it; give it a try and taste for yourself with our easy chicken spaghetti recipe.

If you enjoyed these Italian flavours, you should also take a look at our recipes for lasagna al forno, spaghetti carbonara served with a tomato salad, and homemade cannelloni with spinach and mushrooms.

Homemade tomato sauce

Just because it is simple, it does not mean it lacks flavour. A homemade tomato sauce made with fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar is a fresh and flavourful addition to the pasta and chicken. The bright, sweet, and tangy taste complements the tenderness of the chicken and the chewiness of the spaghetti.

Rather than using fresh tomatoes, we opt for canned ones that have been picked at the peak of ripeness and then canned, which locks in the flavours and makes for a more consistent taste and texture. They are also often more flavourful than fresh tomatoes, as they are cooked and concentrated during the canning process, resulting in a richer, more complex flavour in your tomato sauce.

Classic Italian flavours for a simple yet tasty dinner

Enjoy the union of classic Italian flavours with a simple yet tasty dinner. It is no surprise that Italy is a map of mouth-watering flavours, and this dish is no exception. Making tomato sauce from scratch and simmering it adds an extra layer of flavour and aroma that cannot be replicated with a store-bought sauce. The tomato sauce coats the strands of pasta beautifully and tastes lovely with chunks of tender and juicy chicken. The addition of salad cheese and fresh thyme adds the crowning touch to a quick and easy meal.

Garnish with salad cheese for some freshness

Our chicken spaghetti with tomato sauce is topped with crumbled salad cheese for a well-rounded flavour. The white cheese adds a nice finishing touch to the dish with a mild flavour and a tad bit of saltiness. We are using a salad cheese that is easy to mash and break into smaller pieces and crumble over the chicken spaghetti. Not only does the cheese provide a nice creamy texture, but it also helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. It is a great way to add a touch of freshness and make the dish look more appetising.

Experiment with your chicken spaghetti

If you are looking to fire up this classic spaghetti with chicken and tomato sauce, you can make spicy chicken spaghetti with dried chilli flakes. Add 1 teaspoon (or more) of crushed chilli to the sauce and stir it for a few minutes. It has the perfect level of spiciness with a kick of heat while bursting with sweet and tangy tomato flavour. Instead of dried chilli flakes, you can also use Cajun seasoning that combines cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs for a bold, spicy flavour with a gentle whiff of smokiness.