You’re sitting at a cozy Italian trattoria, twirling perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a velvety tomato sauce, punctuated by tender morsels of chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Now, imagine recreating that experience in your own kitchen. This recipe will transport you to Italy with every bite!
Ingredients (2-3 servings)
- 250g spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the chicken breasts. This mise en place will make the cooking process smoother.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Smooth it Out: For a silky smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the skillet. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender, puree, and return to the skillet.
- Combine and Coat: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who’d like to add it.
Cooking Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in a knob of butter just before serving.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – keeping it al dente will give your dish that authentic Italian texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette makes for a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the pasta.
Ready to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table? This Spaghetti with Smooth Tomato Sauce and Chicken is waiting to become your new favorite weeknight meal. So tie on that apron, pour yourself a glass of Chianti, and let’s get cooking! Buon appetito! 🍝🍷
