This chicken spaghetti sauce is a simple, flavorful dinner made with ground chicken, olive oil, onion, garlic, dried basil, blended tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
The ingredients come together in a skillet to create a light tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti.
With just 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking, this easy meal is ready in 30 minutes. It makes four servings and is a convenient choice for busy weeknights when you want a homemade pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Main Cooking Method: Skillet
- Serving Suggestion: Al dente spaghetti
This recipe was originally put together on the fly when some usual pasta sauce ingredients were unavailable. The result is a light, straightforward sauce that relies on blended tomatoes, browned chicken, and aromatic seasonings for its flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 pinch kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently until the chicken is fully browned and the onion has softened, about 7–10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed garlic, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring continuously so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
The seasonings will distribute throughout the chicken mixture and form the aromatic base of the sauce.
Step 3: Blend the Tomatoes
Transfer the whole peeled tomatoes from the can into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour the tomato mixture into the skillet with the browned chicken and stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat as needed to maintain it. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the simmering sauce. Stir until the cheese is evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 5: Serve Over Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and divide them among four serving plates. Spoon the warm chicken sauce over the pasta and serve immediately.
Tips for Adjusting the Sauce
Keep the Sauce Light
The original recipe produces a relatively light tomato sauce rather than a thick, heavily concentrated pasta sauce. Blending the whole peeled tomatoes creates a smooth consistency that coats the chicken and spaghetti without overwhelming the noodles.
Make a Thicker Sauce
For a richer, heartier texture, stir half a can of tomato paste into the chicken and tomato mixture while it simmers. Let the sauce cook until the paste is fully incorporated and the consistency reaches your preferred thickness.
Another option is to use canned crushed tomatoes instead of whole peeled tomatoes. This substitution gives the sauce more body and a slightly different texture.
Avoid Overcooking the Garlic
Garlic cooks quickly, so add it only after the chicken and onion have browned and softened. One minute of cooking is generally enough to release its aroma while helping prevent a bitter, burnt flavor.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente
For the best texture, cook the spaghetti until tender but still slightly firm in the center. This helps the noodles hold their shape when topped with the warm sauce.
If you prepare the pasta ahead of time, reserve a little cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
This versatile sauce works well with a variety of simple side dishes. Pair the spaghetti with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli for a balanced dinner.
Garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread can also be served alongside the pasta to make use of any remaining sauce.
For a finishing touch, add a little extra grated Parmesan to each plate just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
The following values are provided per serving, including spaghetti, based on the original recipe’s nutritional information.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 505 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 4 mg |
| Sodium | 840 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11 g |
| Total Sugars | 32 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 198 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 241 mg |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutrition may vary depending on the ingredients and pasta used.
Final Thoughts
This chicken spaghetti sauce is an easy way to prepare a satisfying homemade pasta dinner with everyday ingredients.
Ground chicken provides a hearty base, while blended tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan create a simple sauce that can be adjusted to suit your preferred consistency.
Serve it over freshly cooked spaghetti for a quick meal that fits comfortably into a busy evening.
