This Chicken Spaghetti combines tender, seasoned chicken with spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with aromatic oregano and sweet white onions. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make pasta dish that’s full of flavor.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 300g spaghetti (or 80 gr for each person)
- 2 boneless chicken tights or skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, roughly diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
- Fresh oregano or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Note: 1 tablespoon is approximately 15 ml, and a teaspoon is approximately 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Oregano
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the dried oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, forming a sauce.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Chicken Broth
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve the chicken spaghetti immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh oregano or parsley if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Season Generously: Chicken benefits from a good seasoning of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Use Fresh Oregano: If available, fresh oregano adds a vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps thicken the sauce and make it cling to the spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Wine Pairing
- Typical Wine: A light Italian Chianti or a Pinot Noir pairs well with the tomato sauce.
- Bulgarian Wine: Try a Bulgarian Merlot for a deeper, fruity complement to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan garnish.
About the Chicken Spaghetti with Tomato and Oregano
This comforting dish highlights Italian flavors with a touch of warmth from the dried oregano. It’s a rustic yet satisfying pasta that balances the heartiness of chicken with a simple, flavorful tomato sauce.
Cultural Context
Italian and Mediterranean flavors inspire this chicken pasta dish and embody simplicity and quality ingredients. It’s a popular choice for family dinners and brings a taste of the Mediterranean home with its light but savory taste.