Oven Chicken and Linguini is the perfect weeknight meal that takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Imagine a succulent chicken thigh, perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, served atop a bed of flavorful linguine that takes on the rich butter and spinach sauce. This dish combines wholesome ingredients, delightful textures, and comforting flavors that make it an all-time family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal prep option, Oven Chicken and Linguini ensures you have a satisfying and nourishing dinner at your fingertips.
Why We Love This Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
This recipe is a tremendous winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal in the oven while you multitask or take a moment to relax. The balance of tender chicken and soft pasta coated in a creamy sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup – always a bonus! The combination of fresh spinach and savory spices adds a nutritious twist to your dinner, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend family gathering, Oven Chicken and Linguini will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients about Oven Chicken and Linguini
- 0.5 cup butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Oven Chicken and Linguini Directions
To begin your journey toward a delicious Oven Chicken and Linguini, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place it in the oven with the butter inside to melt, which should take about 5 minutes. As it melts, take the time to prepare your seasoning mix. Stir the chopped onion, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter, creating a fragrant flavor base.
Once that’s ready, coat your chicken thighs in the buttery mixture. Make sure to place them skin-side up in the baking dish. This will allow the skin to crisp up beautifully as it bakes. Now, it’s time to bake! Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for about 1 hour, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
While your chicken is baking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until it’s tender according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to stir the thawed spinach into the remaining butter sauce in the baking dish. The spinach brings a nutritious, vibrant color and flavor to your mix. Lastly, combine the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese with the butter and spinach mixture. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Now that your chicken is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve. Place the glorious baked chicken thighs atop the linguine mixture on each plate. The combination of textures and flavors elevates this dish from simple to stunning. Enjoy your delightful meal!
How to Serve Oven Chicken and Linguini
Serving Oven Chicken and Linguini is an opportunity to impress! Begin by plating the creamy linguine and spinach mixture on individual plates. Layer a succulent chicken thigh on top of each serving. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, if you’d like. This not only adds a beautiful appearance but also enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
For added freshness, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. This adds pop and brings a burst of color to your plate. Serve with a side salad or a light vegetable dish to balance out the rich flavors of the chicken and pasta. If you want to elevate the dining experience, a loaf of crusty bread or homemade garlic bread pairs beautifully, perfect for wiping up any extra delicious sauce left on your plate.
Expert Tips: Oven Chicken and Linguini
Achieving the perfect Oven Chicken and Linguini is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to elevate your cooking experience:
- Choosing Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the juiciest results. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to manage the salt levels better. Don’t skip on the butter; it gives the dish a richer, more decadent taste.
- Don’t Rush the Preheat: Make sure your oven is adequately preheated before inserting the chicken. This ensures even cooking and helps to achieve that crispy skin.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can omit them for a milder dish or increase them for more heat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the baking dish for added nutrition, color, and flavor.
- Cooking Time: Monitor the chicken closely towards the end of the cooking time. If the skin looks golden and the juices run clear, it’s done. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be stored quickly for a delicious lunch the next day.
How to Store Oven Chicken and Linguini
Storing your delicious Oven Chicken and Linguini is a straightforward process if you follow these simple steps. Allow your dish to cool to room temperature after serving. Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and pasta into an airtight container to maintain freshness. To keep everything at its best, make sure to separate the chicken from the linguine when storing.
This separation prevents the pasta from becoming overly soggy when reheated. Your prepared dish can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing the chicken and linguine. Place them in freezer-safe containers, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven or on the stove until heated through.
Variation of Oven Chicken and Linguini
One of the best things about Oven Chicken and Linguini is its flexibility. There are countless ways to make this dish your own! For a fresh twist, consider substituting the chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the butter mixture for a zesty kick. You can also explore different pasta options, such as whole wheat or gluten-free linguine, depending on dietary needs.
Vegetarians can adapt this dish by using roasted vegetables or chickpeas instead of chicken, creating a hearty, flavorful meal. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also elevate your dish; try adding thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Lastly, consider serving it with different sauces or toppings such as marinara, pesto, or a drizzle of olive oil for variation. These adjustments help keep your dinners interesting while still retaining the essential elements that make Oven Chicken and Linguini so delightful.
FAQ Section
What is the cooking time for Oven Chicken and Linguini?
The chicken needs to bake for about 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it is cooked through and juicy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time as they might cook a bit faster.
How can I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy pasta, it’s best to store it separately from the chicken when refrigerating leftovers and combine them right before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to include other veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini to add more flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Oven Chicken and Linguini is an excellent choice for meal prep! It stores well and can easily be portioned out for the week.
Creating Oven Chicken and Linguini is not only a culinary delight but also an experience. Let your creativity shine by adapting the recipe to fit your preferences and watch it become a beloved part of your meal rotation!
Oven Chicken and Linguini
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 pounds chicken thighs Bone-in, skin-on for juiciness
- 0.5 cup butter Use unsalted for better salt management
- 1 onion chopped Adds flavor to the dish
- 2 tablespoons dried basil Herb flavoring
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level preferences
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Adds background spice
Pasta and Spinach
- 1 pound linguine pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 2 packages (10 ounce) frozen chopped spinach Thaw and squeeze dry before adding
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping and flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place a 9×13-inch baking dish in the oven with the butter inside to melt, about 5 minutes.
- Combine chopped onion, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter.
- Coat chicken thighs in the buttery mixture and place them skin-side up in the baking dish.
Baking
- Bake chicken for about 1 hour until fully cooked and tender.
Cooking Pasta and Final Mix
- While chicken is baking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add linguine and cook until tender according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir thawed spinach into the remaining butter mixture in the baking dish.
- Combine cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese with the butter and spinach mixture and toss until well mixed.
Serving
- Plate the creamy linguine and spinach mixture, then layer a baked chicken thigh on top of each serving.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs on top.
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