Ret Soup
Introduction
Indulge in this silky, rich, and comforting Creamy Chicken Spaghetti, perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. This blend of tender chicken, savory cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is sure to become a favorite dish for special occasions or any cozy dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
300 grams spaghetti
300 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
200 grams cream cheese
100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
250 ml chicken broth
200 ml heavy cream
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Start by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and then sear them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is fully combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them to the sauce. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the spaghetti warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and then sear them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Step 4: Melt the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Sauces
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is fully combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Spaghetti
Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them to the sauce. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the spaghetti warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Customization
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g
Ingredient Substitutions
– Spaghetti: You can substitute with any pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine, or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
– Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a juicier flavor, or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
– Cream cheese: Neufchâtel cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works as a replacement.
– Heavy cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be used.
– Parmesan cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can substitute Parmesan.
– Olive oil: Avocado oil or butter can be used for cooking the chicken.
– Italian herbs: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can work well if you don’t have Italian herbs on hand.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions and cook it until al dente for the perfect texture.
Searing Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until the onions become translucent, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
Melting Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, add cream cheese to the skillet, and stir until it melts into a smooth consistency, forming the base of your creamy sauce.
Making the Sauce
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the melted cream cheese, stirring well. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs to thicken the sauce.
Tossing Ingredients
Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce. Toss in the drained spaghetti, ensuring that all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
You can reduce the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream, or use low-fat alternatives to lighten the dish while maintaining flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and combine it with the spaghetti just before serving.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition.
What should I serve with Creamy Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, combining rich flavors and comforting textures. The tender chicken and creamy sauce create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also perfect for sharing. Elevate your special evening with this heartwarming meal that promises to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A quick and easy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.
Chicken Alfredo
A classic dish made with fettuccine pasta, grilled chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, ideal for a decadent meal.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Delightful pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, baked in marinara sauce for a comforting vegetarian option.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Combine grilled chicken with pasta and a fresh basil pesto for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
A luxurious pasta dish with a creamy sauce made from sautéed mushrooms and herbs, adding an earthy richness to your meal.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta
Toss roasted seasonal vegetables with pasta and a light olive oil and garlic dressing for a colorful, healthy dish full of flavor.
