Spaghetti with Tomato Cream Sauce and Roasted Chicken

Introduction

Spaghetti with tomato cream sauce and roasted chicken is a comforting yet refined pasta dish that brings together simplicity and rich flavor. The silky tomato cream sauce gently coats each strand of spaghetti, while the roasted chicken adds texture, protein, and depth. This recipe is ideal for a cozy dinner for two, offering a satisfying balance between creaminess and freshness. Moreover, it is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks who want a reliable and flavorful meal without complexity. Thanks to the combination of paprika-seasoned chicken, aromatic onion and garlic, and a smooth tomato-based sauce, this dish feels indulgent while remaining approachable and well balanced.

Background and Inspiration

Creamy tomato pasta sauces are a staple in many European-inspired kitchens, blending the brightness of tomatoes with the richness of cream. This style of sauce offers a softer, rounder flavor than a classic tomato sauce, making it especially appealing when paired with tender meats like chicken. Roasted or pan-seared chicken breast is often used in such dishes because it absorbs spices well and remains juicy when cooked correctly.

Spaghetti is particularly well suited to creamy sauces, as its long strands allow the sauce to cling evenly. Over time, combinations like tomato cream pasta with chicken have become popular comfort meals, appreciated for their quick preparation and universally appealing taste. This recipe reflects that tradition, focusing on balance, texture, and ease rather than elaborate techniques.

Ingredients

To prepare spaghetti with tomato cream sauce and roasted chicken for two people, you will need the following ingredients:

200 g spaghetti
2 chicken breasts (about 300 g)
200 ml tomato sauce
150 ml whole cream
1 small onion (about 80 g)
1 clove garlic (about 5 g)
10 g fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil (20 ml)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 pinches salt
2 pinches black pepper

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve a small ladle of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

Peel the onion and garlic, then chop them finely. Cutting them small allows them to soften quickly and melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and aromatic base.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts evenly on all sides with sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken while adding a warm, slightly smoky note.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm while preparing the sauce.

Step 5: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.

Step 6: Add the Tomato Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and stir well to combine with the aromatics. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step concentrates the tomato flavor and creates a richer base for the cream.

Step 7: Incorporate the Cream

Add the whole cream to the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent the cream from separating.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Slice the Chicken

Cut the roasted chicken breasts into thick slices. Slicing at the end helps keep the meat juicy and visually appealing when served.

Step 10: Plate and Serve

Divide the spaghetti between plates, making sure it is well coated with sauce. Arrange the sliced chicken on top and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

Spaghetti with tomato cream sauce and roasted chicken provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Pasta offers sustained energy through complex carbohydrates, while chicken breast supplies lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.

Tomato sauce contributes vitamins and antioxidants such as lycopene, while cream adds richness and fat-soluble vitamins. Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health. When enjoyed in moderate portions, this dish fits well into a balanced diet, especially when paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or tagliatelle are excellent alternatives, as they hold creamy sauces nicely.

How Do I Keep the Sauce from Curdling?

Always lower the heat before adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce afterward. Gentle heat ensures a smooth and stable texture.

Can I Replace the Chicken with Another Protein?

Yes, turkey strips make a lighter alternative. You can also use shrimp or mushrooms for different variations while keeping the same sauce base.

Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?

It is best enjoyed fresh. However, the sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

What Can I Serve with This Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. Light sides help balance the richness of the cream sauce.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with tomato cream sauce and roasted chicken is a simple yet comforting recipe that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture. The creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that feels both familiar and indulgent. Moreover, its straightforward preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or relaxed meals for two.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a homemade pasta dish that is creamy, well balanced, and full of flavor. Ultimately, this recipe proves that with a few quality ingredients and careful cooking, everyday meals can be transformed into something truly enjoyable.

Spaghetti coated in a smooth tomato cream sauce topped with sliced roasted chicken breast and fresh parsley

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