Lemon Herb Chicken Spaghetti Delight
This Lemon Herb Chicken Spaghetti Delight is a beloved family meal that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with tender chicken and whole wheat spaghetti. It has quickly become a staple in our household, especially since my 6-year-old can’t get enough of it! The marinated chicken infuses the pasta with bright citrus flavors, making it a deliciously light yet satisfying dish. Plus, it's simple to prepare and can be adapted for any occasion. Recently, I experimented with shrimp instead of chicken, and the result was equally delightful! Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table too.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thin Chicken Breast
1 lb (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Lemons
3 (Juiced)
Oil
4 tablespoons (Use olive oil or your preferred type)
Dried Onion
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Thin Spaghetti
8 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from the 3 lemons and combine with the minced onion, minced garlic, black pepper, oregano, salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir until well mixed.
3
Place the cut chicken pieces into a gallon-sized resealable bag and pour the lemon marinade over the chicken.
4
Seal the bag and gently toss to coat the chicken thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
6
After marinating, pour the chicken and marinade mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
8
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
9
Once the chicken is cooked, combine the chicken (with all its juices) with the drained spaghetti in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful juices for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Chicken Spaghetti Delight?
It is a light yet satisfying family meal that combines zesty lemon, tender chicken, and thin spaghetti, often made with whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
How many lemons are required for this recipe?
You will need the juice from 3 lemons to create the marinade for the chicken.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of thin chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour, although 2 hours is preferred for enhanced citrus flavor.
Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?
Yes, shrimp is a delightful alternative to chicken in this recipe and works very well with the lemon herb flavors.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the marinated chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should be baked for 30 minutes or until it is fully cooked through.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Thin spaghetti is recommended, and whole wheat thin spaghetti is a great option for added fiber.
How much spaghetti do I need?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of thin spaghetti.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a beloved family meal that even 6-year-olds enjoy because of its bright and mild flavors.
What herbs are used in the marinade?
The marinade uses dried oregano and ground black pepper combined with minced garlic and onion.
Can I use fresh onion instead of dried onion?
While the recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of minced dried onion, you can use finely minced fresh onion if preferred.
How should I prepare the chicken for the recipe?
The chicken breasts should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the marinade.
Should I drain the juices from the chicken after baking?
No, you should keep all the juices in the baking dish and toss them with the spaghetti to flavor the pasta.
What kind of oil is recommended for the marinade?
Olive oil is a great choice, but you can use any preferred cooking oil.
How do I make the lemon herb marinade?
Combine lemon juice, minced onion, minced garlic, black pepper, oregano, salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil in a small bowl.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, the dish is labeled as healthy and features lean protein and whole wheat pasta options.
Can I prepare this for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed as an easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While thin spaghetti is suggested, you can use other long pasta types like linguine or angel hair.
What does 'al dente' mean for the spaghetti?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, not mushy.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, prepare the large baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
How much oil goes into the marinade specifically?
Use 2 tablespoons of oil for the marinade mixture.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 2 hours?
Yes, you can marinate it longer in the refrigerator, but at least 1-2 hours is necessary for the best flavor.
What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
Place the chicken and marinade in a gallon-sized resealable bag and toss gently to coat.
Is this recipe suitable for special gatherings?
Yes, its light yet delicious citrus flavor makes it great for both casual dinners and special occasions.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can add salt to taste.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The primary flavor is bright citrus from the lemon combined with savory garlic and oregano.
What should I do after mixing the chicken and pasta?
Allow the pasta to soak up the flavorful juices for a few minutes before serving for maximum taste.
Can I substitute the dried oregano?
You can use Italian seasoning or fresh oregano if dried oregano is not available.