Chicken Spaghetti with Red Sauce

Chicken Spaghetti with Red Sauce

A delicious chicken spaghetti with red sauce recipe perfect for Canadian home cooks. Ready in 40 minutes.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

25 min

Servings

6

Calories

460

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare Ingredients

    Gather and prep all ingredients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta

    Cook pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat, prepare the sauce base with aromatics and main flavouring ingredients.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately, garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always slice chicken breast against the grain and pound it to even thickness before cooking. Even cooking means juicy results.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There is something quietly brilliant about a bowl of chicken spaghetti with red sauce — the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a Tuesday evening. When the garlic hits hot olive oil, it releases a fragrance that fills the kitchen, and the diced tomatoes simmer down into a glossy, bright sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Canadian home cooks reach for this recipe because it delivers restaurant-worthy comfort without demanding a lot of time or fuss. The trick is letting the pasta finish cooking right in the sauce — those last couple of minutes let the starches marry with the tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, and suddenly you have something that tastes like it took hours instead of forty minutes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti with Red Sauce

Réservez au moins une tasse d'eau de cuisson avant d'égoutter les pâtes — ce liquide amylacé fait toute la différence entre une préparation sèche et collante et une sauce soyeuse qui enrobe uniformément chaque nouille. Lorsque vous mélangez les spaghetti cuits dans la poêle, ajoutez un peu d'eau à la fois jusqu'à obtenir la consistance désirée. Laissez les pâtes terminer leur cuisson dans la sauce pendant une ou deux minutes pour que les saveurs fusionnent bien.

What to Serve With It

This dish shines alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, or a bowl of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. A loaf of crusty French bread from the local bakery is perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce. Pair it with a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light red like a Chianti for a weekend dinner that feels special.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce — microwaving tends to dry out the pasta quickly. You can also freeze portions for up to three months, though the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts

460

cal

21g

Protein

20g

Fat

62g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

673mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?+

Absolutely. Thighs will give you richer flavour and stay more tender during the quick cook time. Just dice them the same size as you would breast meat so everything cooks evenly.

What kind of tomatoes work best for this sauce?+

A standard 796 ml can of diced tomatoes works perfectly. For deeper flavour, try San Marzano or a crushed tomato variety. Drain excess liquid if your tomatoes seem watery so the sauce doesn't get thin.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out while cooking?+

Cut the chicken into uniform pieces about two centimetres wide and don't overcrowd the pan. Cook over medium-high heat until just golden, then set aside briefly while you build the sauce. Return it near the end so it finishes gently.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?+

Yes — prepare the sauce up to three days ahead and store it separately. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve, then combine and reheat together. This actually helps the flavours develop even further.

Is there a way to make this milder for kids?+

Reduce the garlic to two cloves and skip any chili flakes entirely. A pinch of sugar added to the sauce can balance acidity nicely. Serve extra Parmesan on the side so everyone can adjust to their own taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve pasta water — it's the secret to a silky sauce.
  • Don't rinse pasta after cooking unless making a cold salad.
  • Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to marry flavours.

Reviews (3)

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.