Name: Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (0.87 oz) (or homemade brown gravy); 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons flour; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth); 8 oz tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon parsley; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or less for saucier pasta)

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Introduction

Chicken Scallopini is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a rich tomato and wine sauce. Paired with thin spaghetti, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels special but is simple to prepare.

A white plate holds a large serving of spaghetti coated in a reddish-orange sauce. Mixed in are chunky pieces of cooked chicken, tender and slightly browned, scattered evenly throughout the noodles. The spaghetti strands are thick and glossy, covered well by the sauce. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a soft, light cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (0.87 oz) or homemade brown gravy
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 small yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
8 oz tomato sauce
3/4 lb thin spaghetti
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large measuring cup with a spout, mix the brown gravy packet with 1 cup of cold water until well combined. Stir in the tomato sauce and the Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat completely.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Toss and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Turn off the heat briefly. Pour in 1/4 cup of the wine and set the heat back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the skillet bottom and sides to loosen any browned bits, enhancing the sauce flavor.
Step 5: Add the butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onions are very soft and nearly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Add the remaining wine and let it gently bubble to reduce for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Pour the prepared gravy and tomato sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a boil and let it thicken slightly for about 30 seconds, then reduce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the sauce to warm through.
Step 9: While the sauce simmers, partially cover the skillet and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1/4 tablespoon salt). Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain well.
Step 10: Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic bread or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

Substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a milder flavor or wish to avoid alcohol.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after simmering the gravy mixture.
Use fresh parsley to garnish for a bright, fresh touch.
Try adding sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added texture and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and pasta.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows two side-by-side views of a stainless steel pan on a white marbled surface, each filled with spaghetti and chicken in tomato sauce. On the left side, the pan has a base layer of chunky red tomato sauce with pieces of cooked chicken and a neat mound of pale yellow spaghetti piled on top, covering most of the sauce. On the right side, the same pan shows the spaghetti mixed evenly with the tomato sauce and chicken, turning the pasta a rich reddish color with visible chunks of chicken and strands of spaghetti twirled together. The sauce looks thick and coats the ingredients well, while the pan handle extends from the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to reach al dente.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the sauce?

Searing the chicken adds a lovely golden color and flavor through caramelization. While you can skip this step, the dish will be less flavorful and less visually appealing.