### Delicious Baked Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Pasta
Looking for an easy yet delicious dinner idea? Try this **Baked Chicken Spaghetti**! This recipe combines the creamy comfort of spaghetti with tender pieces of chicken, all baked to perfection in a savory sauce. Here’s how you can make it at home:
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#### Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (65g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (57g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz (227g) spaghetti squash, cooked and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
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#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook Spaghetti Squash**:
- Cut a spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush it with olive oil.
- Place it cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.
3. **Prepare Chicken and Sauce**:
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté until fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
4. **Make the Sauce**:
- Stir in the marinara sauce to the skillet with onions and garlic.
- Simmer the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. **Cook Spaghetti**:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta but reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before adding it back into the skillet with the sauce.
6. **Combine Ingredients**:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce in the skillet, ensuring each strand is well coated.
- Add the cubed spaghetti squash to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
7. **Assemble and Bake**:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Serve**:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
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### Tips and Variations:
- **Add More Flavor**: For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of dried oregano to the sauce.
- **Vegan Option**: Replace the chicken with marinated tempeh cut into bite-sized pieces. Use vegan cheese as a substitute for Parmesan and mozzarella.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Spaghetti! This recipe not only satisfies but also impresses family and friends. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences and dietary needs! Enjoy cooking and eating!