Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

What are the best cuts of chicken and cheese for this recipe?

Choosing the right cut of chicken and cheeses is essential to achieve a delicious chicken spaghetti with perfect texture. These ingredients are the foundation of a successful dish that will delight the whole family.

Ideal Chicken Cut

Chicken breast is the best option for spaghetti, specifically cut into small pieces rather than ground meat. It is recommended to:

Slice the breast thinly for faster and even cooking, ensuring each piece has the same thickness.
Cut into small 1-inch cubes for better distribution in the dish and uniform cooking.
Optionally, slightly flatten the breasts with a kitchen mallet for even cooking and softer texture.

Best Cheeses

To achieve perfect chicken spaghetti, the following cheeses are recommended:

Main Cheeses:

Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano): Perfect for its nutty, salty flavor, ideal for grating over pasta and adding a finishing touch.
Pecorino Romano: Adds a more robust and spicy flavor, excellent to combine with parmesan.
Mozzarella: Excellent for gratinating and adding creaminess, providing that characteristic melted cheese effect.

Complementary Cheeses:

Fontina: Perfect for oven preparations due to its melting ability and silky texture.
Provolone: Ideal to combine with parmesan in gratinated preparations, adding a distinctive flavor.
Cheddar: Provides intense flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for sauces.

The combination of at least three different cheeses will significantly enrich the final flavor of the dish.

How to prevent pasta from sticking while cooking

To achieve perfectly loose and well-cooked pasta, there are several fundamental aspects to consider:

Correct Water Amount

The proper proportion is essential: you need 1 liter of water for every 100 grams of pasta. Abundant water allows the pasta to move freely and reduces the chances of sticking.

Water Temperature

The water must be at a full boil before adding the pasta. To maintain the temperature:

Add the pasta gradually, not all at once, allowing the water to maintain its boiling temperature.
The boiling bubbles will help move the pasta, preventing it from sticking throughout the cooking process.

Cooking Technique

For perfect cooking:

Stir the pasta with a wooden spoon during the first few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Respect the cooking times indicated on the package to achieve the desired texture.
Cook al dente to prevent it from becoming sticky and maintain ideal texture.

The Oil Myth

Contrary to popular belief, adding oil to the water is not recommended because:

It will create a film that will prevent the sauce from properly adhering to the pasta after cooking.
The pasta will absorb unnecessary fat that will affect its final flavor and texture.
It is not effective in preventing sticking and only adds unnecessary fat to the dish.

After Cooking

Once the pasta is cooked:

Drain immediately, don't let it sit in hot water to prevent overcooking.
Don't rinse the pasta, this would remove the necessary starch for the sauce to properly adhere.
Mix immediately with the prepared sauce to maintain ideal temperature and texture.

Success lies in using plenty of boiling water and maintaining active cooking throughout the process.

Tips for juicy and tender chicken in spaghetti

The texture and juiciness of chicken is essential for achieving delicious spaghetti. Here are the most effective tricks to achieve it:

Initial Preparation

Use fresh chicken instead of frozen for better results and optimal texture.
If using frozen chicken, thaw naturally for 12 hours to maintain meat quality.
Slightly flatten the breasts with a kitchen mallet to achieve uniform thickness and even cooking.

Effective Marinade

Use an acid (vinegar, wine, or citrus juice) to tenderize the meat and improve its texture.
Add salt to the marinade to help the meat retain its moisture during cooking.
Include olive oil in the marinade to help release the aromas of herbs and spices.

Preparation Before Cooking

Season the chicken both inside and out with salt and pepper to better distribute the flavor.
Rub the chicken with olive oil before cooking to retain moisture.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting and adding it to the pasta.

Cooking Technique

Sear the chicken on high heat for half a minute on each side to seal in the juices.
Lower the heat to medium and cover the pan during cooking so the steam helps maintain moisture.
Cook the chicken covered for 10 minutes and then let it rest for another 10 minutes without uncovering.

Not overcooking the chicken and maintaining moisture throughout the cooking process will ensure perfect results.

Secrets for achieving a perfectly creamy sauce

To achieve a perfect creamy sauce for chicken spaghetti, these are the fundamental secrets:

Base Ingredients

Heavy cream: Main base for achieving the desired creamy texture and adding smoothness to the preparation.
Butter: Essential for creating the roux that will thicken the sauce and give it a rich, deep flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and intense flavor, being fundamental for the final texture.

Preparation Technique

Start with a roux (butter and flour) over medium heat to properly thicken and create a stable base.
Add the cream gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
Incorporate the cheese when the sauce is off the heat to prevent it from breaking and maintain creaminess.

Cooking Tricks

Always maintain medium-low heat when cooking the sauce to prevent it from burning or breaking.
Never let the sauce boil, it should only maintain a gentle simmer to preserve its texture.
Stir constantly in a figure-eight pattern to incorporate air and achieve more creaminess in the preparation.

Final Adjustments

Use pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick, adding it gradually until reaching the desired consistency.
Add the grated cheese gradually to control the texture and prevent lumps from forming.
Let the sauce rest for one minute before serving to reach the perfect consistency and allow flavors to integrate.

Temperature and constant movement are the key to an impeccable creamy sauce.

Essential Ingredients

A creamy chicken spaghetti requires quality ingredients in the correct proportions to achieve perfect texture and flavor. The key is selecting fresh, high-quality products.

Spaghetti: 500 g, main base of the dish that provides texture and carbohydrates.
Chicken breasts: 2 units, source of protein and the main ingredient of the dish.
Heavy cream: 2 cups, base for the creamy sauce that adds smoothness and texture.
Parmesan cheese: 1 cup grated, adds intense flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, used to prepare the roux and add flavor.
Garlic: 2 minced cloves, adds an aromatic and deep flavor to the sauce.
Chicken broth: 1/2 cup, helps adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Flour: 1 tablespoon, used to thicken the sauce.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhance the flavor of all ingredients.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used to cook the chicken and prevent it from sticking.
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, tenderizes the meat and adds flavor to the marinade.
Dried herbs: 1 tablespoon (oregano, thyme), add aroma to the chicken during marination.
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, intensifies the flavor of the marinade.
White wine: 1/4 cup, adds depth of flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the meat.

How to prepare chicken spaghetti step by step

This recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a perfect creamy sauce. Following these detailed steps, you'll achieve a professional chicken spaghetti that will delight everyone.

Step 1: Marinade Preparation

In a bowl, mix lemon juice (2 tablespoons) with white wine (1/4 cup), adding dried herbs (1 tablespoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), and pepper to taste until forming an aromatic mixture.
Cut chicken breasts (2 units) into uniform pieces and immerse them in the marinade, covering the entire surface well to ensure uniform flavor penetration.
Let the marinated chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally so the marinade penetrates evenly throughout the meat.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

Fill a large pot with plenty of water (1 liter for every 100g of pasta) and bring to a full boil before adding salt to taste.
Add the 500g of spaghetti gradually, stirring gently with a wooden spoon during the first few minutes to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta for the time indicated on the package, maintaining a gentle and constant simmer to achieve perfect al dente texture.

Step 3: Preparing the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure uniform browning during cooking.
Heat olive oil (2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Sear the chicken for 30 seconds on each side, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 10 more minutes until completely cooked.

Step 4: Preparing the Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter (2 tablespoons) over medium heat and add minced garlic (2 cloves), cooking until fragrant.
Add flour (1 tablespoon) to the melted butter, stirring constantly for one minute to create a golden roux.
Gradually incorporate heavy cream (2 cups) and chicken broth (1/2 cup), stirring in a figure-eight pattern to prevent lumps, seasoning with pepper to taste.

Step 5: Final Integration

Add grated parmesan cheese (1 cup) to the sauce off the heat, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Incorporate the cooked chicken into the sauce, mixing gently so it's well coated with all the flavors.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce with chicken, mixing with folding motions until everything is well integrated and adjust seasoning with pepper if needed.

This creamy chicken spaghetti is perfect to serve immediately, when the pasta is at its peak and the sauce maintains its ideal creaminess. You can garnish with a bit more grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs when serving.

Perfect side dish ideas for chicken spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is a complete dish that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are the best options to complement this dish:

Fresh Salads

Burrata salad with tomatoes, arugula, and pesto to add freshness and creaminess to the dish.
Light mixed salad that balances the heartiness of the main dish.
Simple green salad with fresh leaves and a touch of olive oil.

Prepared Vegetables

Sautéed spinach with garlic to add nutrients and an aromatic touch.
Roasted vegetables that provide a contrast in textures and flavors.
Baked zucchini as a light and crispy alternative.

Light Complements

Garlic bread for those who want a more substantial option.
Roasted asparagus for an elegant and nutritious choice.
Roasted cherry tomatoes that add acidity and sweetness.

Serving Tips

Choose just one light side dish to avoid overwhelming the plate.
Prefer fresh options that contrast with the creaminess of the dish.
If the spaghetti has creamy sauce, opt for lighter accompaniments.

How to reheat chicken spaghetti without drying it out

To maintain the original texture and flavor of this dish when reheating, it's important to follow specific techniques depending on the method you choose:

In the pan (Recommended method)

Heat over medium-low heat adding a little butter or oil to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
Add the sauce first over low heat and when hot, incorporate the pasta with chicken, mixing gently.
Stir constantly to heat evenly and maintain creaminess.

In the microwave

Distribute the dish evenly on a wide plate to ensure even heating.
Cover with plastic wrap leaving a corner open for steam to circulate and maintain moisture.
Heat at medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

Additional tips

Add a little cream or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
Don't reheat more than once to maintain the quality and safety of the dish.
Let rest for one minute after reheating so the temperature distributes evenly.

Temperature and timing

Ensure it reaches 60 degrees Celsius in all parts of the dish.
Heat for short periods and stir to avoid overheating.
If using microwave, it's better to use longer time at lower power for uniform heating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can it be prepared in advance?

A: Chicken spaghetti can be prepared, covered, and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for up to two days. It can also be frozen for up to six months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

A: Yes, you can use any chicken cut you prefer. Thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, just make sure they're well cooked before incorporating them into the pasta.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

A: The key is to add the cheese when the sauce is off the heat and maintain a medium-low temperature throughout preparation. Never let the sauce boil, it should only maintain a gentle simmer.

Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

A: You can adjust the consistency by gradually adding some of the pasta cooking water. This will not only help thin the sauce but the starch in the water will help maintain creaminess.