Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy, delicious, and easy, this family meal is ready in under an hour!
Equipment
- Air fryer (for alternative cooking method)
Ingredients
For Cooking Chicken:
- 8 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thick ones, halved horizontally and patted dry with paper towels)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil or oil spray for air fryer option
For the Pasta:
- 500 g spaghetti 1 pack
White Wine Parmesan Sauce: (non alcoholic alternative in notes)
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 4 small tomatoes diced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup cooking cream 200 ml
- 1 cup white wine or see notes for substitution
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- If using thick chicken breasts, cut them in half horizontally to make them thin. Pat each piece dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere, and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Skillet Option: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, cooking each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes total). Set aside.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the chicken with oil, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again for even browning. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan (or a new one if using the air fryer), melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking to combine.
- Pour in the cooking cream and wine (or broth if substituting), smoked paprika, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and bring to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain but do not rinse.
Assemble:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring on low heat for 2–4 minutes until well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Place the chicken on top of the pasta in the skillet to warm through, about 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken on top or alongside the pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Video
Notes
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Spice Option: For added heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce; it’s a delicious addition but optional for family meals.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep Tip: If preparing this meal in advance, store the sauce separately from the pasta. Combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Spice Option: For added heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce; it’s a delicious addition but optional for family meals.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep Tip: If preparing this meal in advance, store the sauce separately from the pasta. Combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.