Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Sicilian Chicken Spaghetti recipe, a deliciously unconventional twist on a classic!
Prepare to transform humble ingredients into a comforting and legendary masterpiece that's guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
To start this Singapore Chilli Crab recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients—like, the stars of our flavor show! We're talking about about 1.5 kg of fresh crab—mud crab is awesome, but any large crab'll do!
Then, for the chili paste, grab five red cayenne chilies (seeds in, for that kick!), 2 tbsp of taucu paste, six cloves garlic, two small eschalots, and 3 tbsp of ginger—roughly chopped, of course!
Now, for the sauce! You're going to need ¼ cup of canola oil, 1 tbsp of belachan, a cup of tomato passata, ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, and 2 tbsp of ketchup, yes ketchup! I know, right?! Oh, and don't forget 2 cups of water. I really hope you have those ingredients!
Instructions
Alright, let's explore into the instructions—because every masterpiece needs a blueprint! First, boil your spaghetti. And I am talking about 1 pound of deliciousness until it is just right. While the pasta's doing its thing—sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic in olive oil until softened; it usually takes about 5 minutes!
Next up, add 1.5 pounds of chicken pieces. Cook 'em until browned. Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, ½ cup Kalamata olives – because who doesn't love olives? Now is the time to add tomato sauce for a richer flavor. Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Once the spaghetti's ready, drain it and toss it with the sauce. And just like that dinner is served!
Tips
Now that we've nailed the cooking steps, let's chat about some tips I've picked up along the way! This dish isn't rocket science, but a few tricks can elevate it!
First, don't overcook your chicken. Nobody wants rubbery bird! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – a meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Next, taste as you go. Trust me, you'll thank yourself! A little extra salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes – small tweaks can make a big difference, and hey, sampling is half the fun!
Finally, remember presentation! Food tastes better when it looks good, right? A sprinkle of fresh basil is all you need. Similar to Chicken Marsala's appeal, this dish can achieve restaurant-quality results with practice!
Here are my other tips:
- Don't forget a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
- Always use high-quality parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that sauce.
Variations
About variations, I've gotta say, that's where things get super fun because you can totally make this recipe your own! Don't be afraid to experiment!
Wanna kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes—or a whole tablespoon if you're feeling brave! You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. I won't judge!
Swap out the veggies! Bell peppers? Zucchini? Mushrooms? Go wild! Just keep the total quantity around 2 cups so the sauce doesn't get too watery.
Pasta possibilities abound. Try penne, rotini, or even bow ties! Just make sure you cook 'em al dente – nobody likes mushy pasta.
Cheese, please! A sprinkle of Pecorino Romano adds a salty tang. And hey, don't worry about being too precise; cooking's all about having fun, right?
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information (per serving – estimated):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g