Milli's Chicken Spaghetti
Shredded chicken should already be prepared. I put mine in the crock pot overnight with the rest of the carrots, celery, and parsley and a few teaspoons of sage. If you dont have time for that boil the chicken in just enough water to cover for about an hour, season as noted in crock pot. Dump out the chicken, remove the skin and shred with fingers once cool enough. This is how my grandmother taught me to make the shredded chicken, in my opinion any substitute just doesnt taste the same
Shredded chicken should already be prepared. I put mine in the crock pot overnight with the rest of the carrots, celery, and parsley and a few teaspoons of sage. If you dont have time for that boil the chicken in just enough water to cover for about an hour, season as noted in crock pot. Dump out the chicken, remove the skin and shred with fingers once cool enough. This is how my grandmother taught me to make the shredded chicken, in my opinion any substitute just doesnt taste the same
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup fat free milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 medium yellow onion coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup celery
- 1 pkg spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups shredded chicken without skin (see summary)
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce italian or basil seasoned
- 1 10 oz can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup dark red wine
- 1/4 cup fresh italian parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh baby spinach leaves finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 73.0915469172912 g
- Cholesterol 0.373333333333333 mg
- Fat 2.6811907505702 g
- Fiber 3.88345669953339 g
- Protein 13.1991017501425 g
- Saturated Fat 0.459053650089858 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (143g)
- Sodium 35.8367833347578 mg
- Sugar 69.2080902177578 g
- Trans Fat 0.526499391701131 g
- Calories 374 calories
Step-by-step
- To prepare the sauce heat 1 TBSP olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until just starting to brown on the edges.
- Leave the heat on medium and add the carrots and celery. Stir this around and cook until the carrots brown just slightly.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent, keep heat on medium.
- Add the wine and let it bubble for about 1 minute, turn the heat down to low/medium and stir to remove all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the tomato sauce and spinach leaves.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a small bowl and then add to the tomato sauce.
- Turn the heat to medium, once the sauce is bubbling turn it back down to low/medium and cover.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles per package directions, add 1 TBSP olive to water to keep the noodles from sticking.
- Meanwhile add the parsley, thyme, and oregano to the tomato sauce and stir well.
- Add the chicken and stir well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and stir - I cut the noodles in half or quarters before adding to avoid the 'lump' of spaghetti.
- Cover and cook on low for about 20 min.
Milli's Chicken Spaghetti: A Grandma's Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and comforting meals can be a real challenge. But when it comes to family favorites, I always strive to make time. One of those cherished family recipes is my grandmother's Chicken Spaghetti. It’s a dish that brings back a flood of warm memories – the aroma filling the kitchen, the happy chatter around the dinner table, and the sheer joy of sharing a meal made with love. This isn't just spaghetti; it's a taste of home, a comforting hug in a bowl, a legacy passed down through generations.
The secret to this dish, as Grandma always emphasized, lies in the chicken. It’s not just about using any old chicken; it’s about the slow, careful preparation that infuses the meat with flavor. I’ve experimented with different methods, but nothing compares to her way – simmering it low and slow, allowing the herbs and spices to permeate every fiber. The result is incredibly tender, juicy chicken, bursting with a subtle savory depth that elevates the entire dish. The carrots, celery, and parsley, simmered alongside, add a touch of sweetness and earthy notes that beautifully complement the richness of the chicken.
The sauce itself is a symphony of flavors. The sautéed garlic, onions, carrots, and celery form a fragrant base, their sweetness balanced by the tartness of the red wine. The rich tomato sauce, enhanced with creamy mushroom soup and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, brings a wonderful depth and complexity to the dish. The fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness and a pop of vibrant green against the warm tones of the tomato sauce and chicken. It’s a simple yet surprisingly complex flavor profile, one that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
What truly sets this recipe apart, beyond the incredible flavor, is the sentimental value. This isn’t just a dish; it's a story, a tradition, a connection to my family’s history. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together. Every time I make this spaghetti, I’m not just cooking a meal; I’m sharing a piece of my heart, a legacy passed down from generation to generation. I'm sharing a comforting taste of home, one that my family eagerly anticipates and cherishes.
Beyond the personal significance, this Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. It's a perfect weeknight dinner, easy enough to throw together even on the busiest of days. It's also remarkably adaptable. Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking, add different herbs and spices to create your own signature twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing you to make it your own while still capturing the essence of Grandma's original masterpiece. It's a recipe that's as much about the memories as it is about the taste. It's about sharing, connecting and creating new memories around the dinner table.
And it’s a dish that brings people together, fostering conversation and laughter around the table. It’s a testament to the power of food to nourish not only the body but also the soul. So, next time you crave a taste of home, a comforting hug in a bowl, remember this recipe. Remember the stories, the memories, and the love that went into creating it. This isn’t just a recipe; it's a cherished tradition. And, trust me, once you taste it, it will become a treasured tradition in your family, too.
This Chicken Spaghetti isn't just a dish; it’s a legacy. It's a taste of family, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us to our loved ones. Each bite is a journey back in time, a reminder of the warmth and love shared around the dinner table. So, gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and create some beautiful memories while enjoying this incredible dish. You’ll not only savor the delicious flavors but also the rich history and love that are woven into every bite.
