Chicken Spaghetti in Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Overview:
This Chicken Spaghetti in Tomato Basil Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful Italian dish that combines tender chicken pieces, a rich tomato basil sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It is an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or dinner, especially when paired with complementary sides like garlic bread and a refreshing beverage. The sauce’s blend of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs infuses every bite of the pasta with a savory, aromatic depth, while the addition of tender chicken makes this dish a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti Pasta | 150 grams |
| Chicken breasts (cut into pieces) | 100 grams |
| Tomatoes (cut into half) | 5 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary (dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tarragon (dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (chopped) | 3 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Cuisine:
Italian
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half, removing the core and stems.
- Place the tomatoes in a blender and puree them until smooth. Set this fresh tomato puree aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium heat.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water, then drop in the spaghetti pasta.
- Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente texture (firm to the bite), about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, strain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, drizzle a little olive oil over it and toss gently. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Add chopped garlic and onion to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato puree, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it boil for a few minutes.
- Season the sauce with sugar, red chili flakes, dried rosemary, dried tarragon, and salt. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and the raw tomato smell disappears.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped chicken pieces to the pan. Stir and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Check the seasoning of the sauce and adjust salt or spice levels as needed.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
- Add the boiled spaghetti to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it is evenly coated with the rich tomato basil sauce.
- Let the pasta absorb the flavors for 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania) leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the Chicken Spaghetti in Tomato Basil Sauce warm, paired with a side of garlic bread and a refreshing mango lemonade for a perfect meal.
Pro Tips:
- For a creamier version, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce right before adding the chicken.
- Add veggies: If you’d like to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some fresh chopped chili along with the garlic.
Suggested Pairings:
- Garlic Bread with Herb Butter: The crispy, buttery garlic bread makes for the perfect side to soak up the delicious tomato basil sauce.
- Mango Lemonade: A fresh and fruity drink to balance the rich flavors of the pasta and complement the spices in the dish.
- Rich Decadent Chocolate Soufflé: End the meal on a sweet note with this indulgent dessert that will be sure to impress your guests.
This Chicken Spaghetti in Tomato Basil Sauce recipe is not only a simple and satisfying dish but also a crowd-pleaser for any lunch gathering or holiday meal. The combination of tender chicken, hearty pasta, and tangy tomato sauce with fresh herbs creates a deliciously comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
