If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe. This recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious, savory sauce enriched with sweet caramelized onions and a rich tomato base, all tossed perfectly with spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner, impressing both your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and vibrant color. You’ll find these pantry staples are simple but essential to create that perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory.
- Brown gravy mix (0.87 oz): Adds a rich, velvety base that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 small): Tender protein that soaks up the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): Lightly coats chicken pieces for a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): For searing chicken and sautéing onions, adding a fruity touch.
- Salted butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the caramelized onions with a creamy, buttery finish.
- Yellow onion (1 small, sliced): Slowly caramelized to bring out deep, golden sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Dry white wine (1 cup): Adds acidity and depth; if you prefer, chicken broth works too.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz): Creates a bright, tangy foundation for the sauce.
- Thin spaghetti (3/4 lb): The perfect pasta base that holds onto the creamy sauce.
- Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon each): A trio of herbs and spices that build savory complexity.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all other flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Start by blending your brown gravy mix with 1 cup of cold water in a large measuring cup. Stir in the tomato sauce and the seasonings: Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt. Set this luscious mixture aside; it will become the soul of your creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prep and Sear Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes for quick, uniform cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat each piece lightly. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken cubes for about 3 to 4 minutes, browning all sides. This step locks in moisture and flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Turn off the heat briefly, add about 1/4 cup of white wine to the hot skillet, and then return it to medium heat. Use a spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan — this is pure gold that boosts your sauce’s depth.
Step 4: Cook Onions and Garlic
Add butter and your sliced onions to the skillet. Cook gently over medium heat for around 20 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and caramelize into rich, sweet morsels. Toss in the minced garlic at the end and stir for one more minute to release its aromatic charm.
Step 5: Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in the rest of your white wine and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. This reduction process concentrates flavor and lightens the sauce before your gravy mixture goes in.
Step 6: Add Gravy Mixture and Return Chicken
Now pour the gravy and tomato mixture into the skillet, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the seared chicken back into the sauce, letting it mingle and absorb the delicious flavors.
Step 7: Cook Pasta
While the sauce does its magic, boil your thin spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain it well to prepare for the final toss.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with your creamy chicken and rich onion tomato sauce. Coating every strand with sauce makes this dish a real winner. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve alongside warm garlic bread for the complete comforting experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a touch of herbal freshness that perfectly balances the creamy tomato sauce. For an extra zing, a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan is divine here.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette gives a satisfying contrast in texture and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich scallopini.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe in shallow pasta bowls to showcase all the colors and textures. A drizzle of good olive oil and a few chili flakes can add a sophisticated touch and just a hint of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken scallopini and spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed, but separate the pasta from the chicken and sauce for best texture. Freeze the sauce and chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Pasta freezes less well but can be frozen separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, then toss in freshly cooked pasta or reheat the saved pasta briefly in hot water before combining.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and depth of flavor to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! Chicken broth works as a brilliant substitute, keeping the sauce deliciously savory without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe suited for gluten-free diets?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend and using a gluten-free gravy mix. Also, choose gluten-free pasta to keep it safe and tasty.
How do I get onions to caramelize properly?
Patience is key! Cook them low and slow over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown with a sweet aroma — this usually takes about 20 minutes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and caramelized onions ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently and add the chicken when you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that turns everyday meals into special occasions without any fuss. The comforting creaminess, the subtle sweetness of onions, and the vibrant touch of tomato and herbs make it a joy to cook and even more delightful to eat. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation in no time!
Print
Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken cubes simmered in a flavorful tomato and brown gravy sauce with caramelized onions and garlic, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and a splash of white wine, this dish offers a rich and comforting Italian-inspired meal ready in just 45 minutes, ideal for a family dinner or weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Gravy and Sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz)
- 1 cup cold water
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
Pasta
- 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for a saucier dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine the brown gravy mix with 1 cup of cold water. Stir in the tomato sauce and all the seasonings (Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt). Set this mixture aside to be added later.
- Prep and Sear Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into equal-sized cubes. Season them with salt and pepper and toss them with the flour until coated evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides thoroughly. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat momentarily and pour in 1/4 cup of the wine to the skillet. Turn the heat back to medium and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan — these add great flavor to the sauce.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the butter to the skillet and then add the sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine without burning the garlic.
- Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the remaining white wine and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Gravy Mixture and Chicken: Pour the prepared gravy and tomato sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the seared chicken pieces back to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce until cooked through and tender.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the thin spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately, ideally with a side of garlic bread.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- For a saucier dish, reduce the amount of spaghetti slightly.
- Caramelizing onions adds a sweeter depth of flavor—don’t rush this step.
- Make sure to cook the chicken cubes thoroughly in the sauce to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
