Creamy Chicken in Spaghetti Sauce: A One-Dish Meal
This delightful dish, inspired by my talented nephew Chef Simon, features a luscious creamy sauce that can be customized to suit your palate. Whether you choose to include mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, or perhaps even some vibrant broccoli, this recipe is sure to impress at your dinner table. With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, yet it has the richness and comfort of a special occasion dish.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 pieces |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry white wine | 2/3 cup |
| Crème fraîche | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
| Spaghetti | 12 ounces |
Nutritional Information Table
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (4 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 684.5 |
| Total Fat | 28.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 102.4 mg |
| Sodium | 106.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 71.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 27.9 g |
Preparation Instructions
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Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Sauté until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped red pepper, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the paprika over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced. Then, stir in the crème fraîche, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy sauce. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is thoroughly heated and well-coated in the sauce. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Toss with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to combine it with the creamy chicken sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the creamy chicken spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
This recipe yields four satisfying servings, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy gathering with friends. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, the Creamy Chicken in Spaghetti Sauce is destined to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
