Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – Quick & Easy Tomato-Garlic Pasta

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – Quick & Easy Tomato-Garlic Pasta

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a delicious, comforting meal that doesn’t take forever to make. This Chicken Spaghetti is exactly that – a super flavorful, easy-to-throw-together pasta dish that’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. I first made this when I was craving something warm and satisfying, and honestly, it’s been a hit ever since! It’s a lovely blend of Italian flavors with a little Indian-inspired simplicity. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average spaghetti recipe. It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes! It’s packed with flavor thanks to the simple tomato-garlic sauce and tender chicken. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need a comforting meal, fast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Spaghetti:

• 1 packet (approx. 400g) spaghetti
• 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 4 tomatoes, pureed (about 300ml)
• 1/2 capsicum/bell pepper, diced
• 3-4 spinach stalks (optional)
• 6 garlic pods, crushed
• 2 tsp oregano
• 3 tsp pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Ingredient Notes

A few little tips from my kitchen to yours!

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes really make a difference here. If you can, use them! But canned pureed tomatoes work great in a pinch.
• Spinach Stalks: Don’t throw those spinach stalks away! They’re packed with nutrients and add a lovely subtle flavor to the sauce. Just give them a good chop before adding them to the pan. It’s a little trick my grandmother taught me!
• Chicken: Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this. You can also quickly poach or pan-fry some chicken breast if you don’t have any leftovers.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds a lovely richness to the sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, get your spaghetti cooking. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente – that means it should still have a little bite to it. Drain it and set it aside.
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until you can smell that amazing aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Next, toss in the diced capsicum and the chopped spinach stalks (if you’re using them). Cook for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and add the shredded chicken. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Sprinkle with oregano, pepper, and salt. Give it a good toss to make sure the spaghetti is coated evenly with the sauce.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti! Al dente is key for the best texture.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!
• A splash of pasta water can help bind the sauce and spaghetti together beautifully.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili!
• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas.
• Using Whole Wheat Spaghetti: For a healthier twist, swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat spaghetti.
• Chicken Substitute: Not a chicken fan? No problem! Paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu work wonderfully as substitutes. Just make sure to cook them until lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
• A generous grating of Parmesan cheese (if you’re a cheese lover like me!).

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and is perfect for packing lunches.
• Can I use different types of pasta? Definitely! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle would all work well.
• How can I make the sauce richer? Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a dollop of yogurt towards the end of cooking.
• What’s the best way to shred the chicken? Two forks work great, or you can use a food processor for a quicker job.
• Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini? Yes! Sauté them along with the capsicum and spinach stalks.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!