The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Chicken spaghetti revolutionizes ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

This classic comfort food blends tender protein with silky pasta strands in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Savory ingredients mingle, creating a symphony of textures that tantalize taste buds and spark excitement around the dinner table.

Hearty and wholesome, the dish promises a satisfying solution for hungry families seeking delicious nourishment.

Creamy sauces and perfectly seasoned elements elevate this simple recipe beyond basic expectations.

Bold seasonings and carefully selected components ensure each forkful delivers maximum enjoyment.

Your dinner companions will eagerly anticipate this mouthwatering meal.

How to Make the Best Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Ensure tomatoes are evenly coated and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast Tomatoes

Roast tomatoes in the oven for 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Step 3: Season Chicken

• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning

Cover both sides of the chicken thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Slice and Sauté

Remove chicken and slice into thin pieces. In the same skillet, quickly sauté lemon slices and garlic in butter.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain pasta, keeping a small amount of starch for sauce adherence.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Toss pasta with the lemon-garlic-butter mixture, ensuring even coating.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

• Sliced chicken
• Roasted tomatoes
• Burrata slices
• Fresh basil leaves
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful chicken spaghetti!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti Every Time

• Roast Tomatoes Perfectly: Ensure even caramelization by spreading tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Season Chicken Strategically: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Control Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent mushy results.
• Maximize Flavor Layers: Use the same skillet for chicken and sautéing garlic to capture and build delicious pan drippings.
• Finish with Freshness: Add fresh basil and toasted pine nuts just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and crunchy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Spaghetti

• Refrigeration: Store your chicken spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cold environment helps preserve the dish's quality and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap the pasta securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Chicken spaghetti can be frozen for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairings That Make Chicken Spaghetti Even Better

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the bright lemon and roasted tomato flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken and burrata.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side with peppery arugula, shaved parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette that echoes the dish's citrusy notes and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Rustic sourdough or ciabatta toasted with garlic butter helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly, citrus-infused drink cleanses the palate between bites and highlights the zesty elements in the chicken spaghetti.

Exciting Variations of Chicken Spaghetti to Explore

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken with grilled lamb and add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or scallops, incorporating white wine and fresh dill to create an oceanic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a rich, plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Introduce blackened seasoning to the chicken, mix in roasted corn, black beans, and top with cilantro and queso fresco for a zesty southwestern twist.

Comforting Chicken Spaghetti Everyone Will Love

• Elevate Roasted Tomato Flavor: Slow-roasting tomatoes with garlic intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a rich, concentrated taste that transforms the entire dish with minimal effort.
• Masterful Protein Preparation: Seasoning chicken with smoked paprika and Italian herbs ensures each bite bursts with deep, complex flavors while maintaining juicy, tender meat that perfectly complements the pasta.
• Restaurant-Quality Plating Technique: Finishing the dish with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts adds luxurious texture and gourmet-level presentation, making a simple spaghetti feel like a high-end culinary experience.
• Quick and Versatile Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, this recipe delivers a balanced, nutritious dinner in under 45 minutes, packed with protein, minimal prep work, and flexible enough to impress both family and guests.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken: Protein-rich main component that brings hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the base and provides a perfect texture for absorbing other flavors.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and vibrant ingredient that adds sweetness and acidity when roasted.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the dishs overall taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that provide depth and complexity to the chickens flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that complements both chicken and tomatoes.

• Olive Oil: Used for roasting tomatoes and cooking chicken, adding richness and preventing sticking.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich sauce when combined with lemon and garlic.
• Lemon Slices: Adds bright, citrusy notes and enhances the dishs overall freshness.
• Burrata: Creamy cheese that adds luxurious texture and mild, milky flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish with aromatic qualities.
• Pine Nuts: Optional toasted garnish that introduces a nutty crunch to the dish.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Texas chicken spaghetti brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens with cheesy, hearty goodness. Rich casserole layers combine tender chicken, pasta, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Burrata cheese

Pasta and Produce:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
• 10 ounces (283 grams) cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• ½ lemon (preferably Meyer lemon), thinly sliced
• ½ cup (25 grams) fresh basil, chopped
• 7 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Fats:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (45 grams) pine nuts, lightly toasted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for roasting tomatoes.
2. Thoroughly coat cherry tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Distribute seasoned tomatoes evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Roast tomatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 18-22 minutes until they become tender and develop slight caramelization around the edges.
5. Meanwhile, generously season chicken breasts with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Italian herb blend on both sides.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing into thin, uniform strips.
8. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and quickly sauté lemon slices and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
9. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, reserving pasta water.
10. Combine cooked spaghetti with lemon-garlic butter sauce, using reserved pasta water to help create a silky coating.
11. Plate the spaghetti and arrange sliced chicken on top, then garnish with roasted tomatoes and torn burrata cheese.
12. Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Roasting tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweet and tangy flavor profile for a more complex dish.
• Generously seasoning chicken with smoked paprika and Italian herbs creates deep, aromatic layers that complement the tender meat.
• Sautéing lemon slices in butter adds a bright, zesty undertone that cuts through the richness of the chicken and enhances overall taste.
• Keeping some pasta starch helps sauce cling better, ensuring each spaghetti strand is perfectly coated with delicious flavors.
• Topping with creamy burrata and fresh basil provides a luxurious finish that elevates the entire meal from simple to spectacular.
• Toasted pine nuts offer a delightful crunch and nutty essence, bringing textural contrast to the soft pasta and juicy chicken.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 820 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg