The secret to truly comforting chicken spaghetti lies in building a rich, flavorful sauce right in the skillet where the chicken cooked. This chicken spaghetti recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Crafted for ease and maximum flavor, this dish utilizes a simple roux to thicken the sauce, ensuring a luscious texture without excessive effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave a hearty, homemade meal.
Ingredients for chicken spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb total)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ Tbsp salt (for the pasta water)
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
How to make chicken spaghetti
- Fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the four chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes total). Remove the chicken to a clean cutting board, and allow it to rest.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 Tbsp of salt to the water then add the spaghetti pasta and boil until the pasta is tender (or al dente). Drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, start making the sauce. In the same skillet that the chicken was cooked in, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flour starts to turn golden brown.
Pro tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, ensure you fillet the breasts into thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly without drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a golden crust, which adds depth of flavor.
- When making the roux, cook the flour for the full 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown. This eliminates the raw flour taste and contributes to a richer sauce.
This creamy chicken spaghetti offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, proving that comfort food can be both simple and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this heartwarming dish with your loved ones!
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