Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Imagine a steaming plate of easy chicken spaghetti recipe, where tender pasta twirls around succulent pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. The zesty kick from diced tomatoes mingles with the warmth of Italian seasoning, creating a comforting dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. It’s the kind of meal that beckons you after a long day, promising cozy family dinners or effortless weeknight feasts.

This easy chicken spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic nod to my childhood kitchen where the whole family would gather. I can still hear the laughter and clinking of forks as we dug into this delightful dish, all while savoring the rich flavors that danced on our palates. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual get-together or simply treating yourself after a busy day, this recipe promises to deliver joy and satisfaction in every single bite.

When I first made this easy chicken spaghetti recipe, my kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds; it quickly became a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious easy chicken spaghetti recipe:

• Spaghetti: Use 12 oz of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice for a satisfying base.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy incorporation into the dish.

• Bell Pepper: One cup of diced bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch; choose vibrant colors for visual appeal.

• Onion: Diced onion enhances the flavor profile; opt for yellow or white onions for a milder taste.

• Fresh Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic provide aromatic depth; fresh is always best for maximum flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes adds acidity and richness to the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Use one cup of chicken broth to infuse the dish with savory flavor; low-sodium options are ideal.

• Olive Oil: One tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding healthy fats.

• Italian Seasoning: A tablespoon of Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that complements the dish beautifully.

• Salt and Black Pepper: Use one teaspoon each to season to taste; adjust according to your preference.

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: One cup for serving elevates the dish with creaminess and flavor; fresh is preferable.

• Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring this to a rolling boil, the steam rising will let you know it’s ready. Once boiling, gently add 12 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it feels firm yet tender to the bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while we prepare the delightful sauce that will bring everything together.

Cook the Chicken: Grab a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. As the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Listen for that satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan – this sound is music to any cook’s ears! Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are beautifully browned and fully cooked through. You want them to be juicy on the inside with a golden crust on the outside. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside; their flavor will soon return to our dish.

Sauté Vegetables: In that same skillet, without washing it (we want all those wonderful chicken flavors), toss in 1 cup each of diced onion and bell pepper along with 2 minced garlic cloves. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible! Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften up nicely; you’ll see the onions turn translucent and everything will start to look colorful and inviting. This step is key as it builds a flavorful base for your easy chicken spaghetti recipe.

Combine Ingredients: Now it’s time to bring back our cooked chicken into the mix! Add it back into the skillet along with one can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), one cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so that all those vibrant flavors meld beautifully. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes; during this time, you’ll notice how aromatic your sauce becomes as it thickens slightly.

Combine with Pasta: Next, introduce your drained spaghetti into the skillet with all those savory ingredients. Gently toss everything together so that every strand of pasta is well-coated in that delicious sauce you’ve created. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through; at this point, you’ll want to keep an eye on it so nothing sticks or burns at the bottom.

Serve: Finally, serve this delightful dish hot from the skillet! Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for that creamy richness we love, then finish off with a touch of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy every bite of your homemade easy chicken spaghetti recipe – it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with this easy chicken spaghetti recipe, start by searing the chicken first in a skillet until browned. While the chicken cooks, boil salted water for the spaghetti. Once the chicken is done, sauté the vegetables in the same skillet to capture all those flavors before combining everything.

Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Comforting Classic

If you are in search of a quick, satisfying meal, this easy chicken spaghetti recipe is perfect. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can serve a delicious dish for four people. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes it a family favorite.

Ingredients You Will Need

For this easy chicken spaghetti recipe, gather the following ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice, 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup each of diced bell pepper and onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. For the sauce, have on hand one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, for garnish, prepare 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Cooking Instructions

Start by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bite-sized chicken pieces until they are browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Now it’s time to sauté your vegetables. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes until they soften beautifully. After that, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with one can of diced tomatoes and one cup of chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning as well as salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all those flavors meld together.

Finally, combine everything with your cooked spaghetti. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with your sauce mixture and toss gently to coat all strands in that delicious sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve hot from the stovetop garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor! Enjoy your delightful meal!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this easy chicken spaghetti recipe to suit your taste. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. Add in some spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies, and try using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh twist.

Storing & Reheating

To store your easy chicken spaghetti recipe, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

FAQ

What is the prep time for this easy chicken spaghetti recipe?

Prep time for this easy chicken spaghetti recipe is 15 minutes.

Can I use different vegetables in the easy chicken spaghetti recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute vegetables according to your preference.

What type of pasta works best for this easy chicken spaghetti recipe?

Spaghetti is recommended, but any pasta of your choice will work well.