Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti
Tender chicken sautéed with garlic and olive oil served atop perfectly cooked spaghetti for a simple yet flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the chicken and garlic, stirring well to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil over Spaghetti?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
