Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, this Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender chunks of chicken bathing in a luscious, slightly tangy tomato sauce, enriched by the sweet depth of caramelized onions, all tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, transforming simple pantry staples into a meal that feels special enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the richness of browned chicken to the sweet complexity of caramelized onions and the tangy smoothness of a homemade gravy-based tomato sauce, each component brings something special to the table.
- Brown gravy mix: Acts as a flavorful base to thicken the sauce and add savory depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites perfect for scallopini.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors.
- Flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help develop a golden crust and thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: For searing chicken to achieve a beautiful, flavorful crust.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions perfectly.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced and slowly cooked to bring out natural sweetness through caramelization.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant punch that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and balance the dish.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy, saucy backdrop for the dish.
- Thin spaghetti: The perfect pasta choice to soak up the creamy tomato sauce without overpowering the chicken.
- Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt: These herbs and spices layer in complex flavor notes that round out the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Start by mixing the brown gravy packet with cold water in a large measuring cup. Combine it with tomato sauce and the seasonings—Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt—and set it aside. This mixture will thicken your sauce and add a robust flavor base.
Step 2: Prep and Sear Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then toss them with flour for that golden crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces about 3 to 4 minutes until browned on all sides. Once beautifully golden, remove the chicken and set aside to keep the juices intact.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Turn off the heat momentarily and pour in about a quarter cup of white wine or chicken broth. Turn the heat back on and scrape up all the delicious browned bits sticking to the pan with a spatula. Those bits pack a ton of flavor and form the foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Cook Onions and Garlic
Add butter to the skillet, then toss in the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat slowly for about 20 minutes until they transform into soft, sweet, golden caramelized pieces. Add minced garlic at the end and cook for one more minute to keep its fragrance fresh and vibrant without burning.
Step 5: Add Wine and Reduce
Pour the remaining wine into the pan and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes. This reduces the liquid slightly and concentrates the flavors, setting a rich backdrop for the sauce.
Step 6: Add Gravy Mixture and Simmer
Pour the gravy-tomato sauce blend into your skillet and bring it up to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and add the seared chicken back in, letting everything simmer together so the chicken soaks up all the wonderful flavors while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 7: Cook Pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain it well to avoid watery sauce, reserving the perfect texture for tossing in the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Toss the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, making sure every strand is coated with that irresistible creamy, tangy mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet bright garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness. You might also sprinkle some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory goodness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, which is perfect for mopping up the creamy tomato sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also cut through the richness and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the cream-coated spaghetti in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley placed on top. You could even drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick and vibrant finish that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it reheats beautifully with a splash of water or broth.
Freezing
Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture quality. Use freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep everything tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if the pieces are larger.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth is a great substitute. It still provides the moisture and depth of flavor needed for the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken and ensure your gravy mix is gluten-free, or make a homemade gravy substitute. Also, opt for gluten-free pasta to keep the entire dish safe.
How do I get perfectly caramelized onions?
Patience is key! Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with a bit of butter, stirring occasionally. They should turn a deep golden brown and become very soft over about 20 minutes.
Can this be prepared ahead for a crowd?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then cook pasta fresh right before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy and lets you quickly assemble a large meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe is a true kitchen winner that combines ease, flavor, and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s the kind of dish that invites smiles and second helpings. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep this recipe close for many cozy dinners ahead!
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Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender cubes of seared chicken simmered in a rich tomato and wine gravy sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Caramelized onions and garlic add depth of flavor, making this a comforting and elegant Italian-inspired dish ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into equal-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz)
- 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
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. Add the tomato sauce along with the Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well and set aside to develop flavor.
- Prep and Sear Chicken: Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to evenly coat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat briefly and pour 1/4 cup of white wine into the skillet. Return to medium heat and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pan, which adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the remaining 3/4 cup of white wine and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor.
- Add Gravy Mixture and Simmer: Pour the prepared gravy mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the seared chicken to the pan. Simmer gently to let the chicken cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the skillet with the chicken and tomato gravy sauce to coat evenly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the gravy mixture a bit longer before adding the chicken.
- Fresh herbs can be added for more vibrant flavor.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
