Chicken Thighs and Pasta Recipe

Nothing beats the joy of combining juicy chicken thighs with perfectly cooked pasta. I absolutely loved preparing this dish, and as soon as I took the first bite, I knew it was going to be a staple recipe in my home.

The way the buttery flavors wrap around the linguine while the chicken adds the perfect savory touch – it’s pure comfort food! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Credit: epicurious

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to recreate this irresistible chicken and pasta dish:

3 pounds of chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for added flavor)
1 pound of linguine pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (10 oz) packages of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, and drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Note: This recipe yields approximately 6 to 9 servings.

Variations

Want to customize this dish to suit your taste? Here are several options to switch things up:

Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of the butter.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Fresh Spinach: Swap out frozen spinach with fresh; it wilts beautifully in the warm sauce.
Low-Carb Twist: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of linguine for a lighter version.
Rich Sauce: Add a splash of cream or chicken stock to create a creamier texture.

For more ideas, explore dishes like chicken thighs and mushrooms for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Time

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor and time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these simple tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:

Large Baking Dish: Ideal for melting the butter and baking the chicken.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing the onion-butter sauce and pasta.
Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Tongs: For tossing pasta with the sauce and serving.

How to Make Chicken Thighs and Pasta?

Creating this dish is straightforward, and the result is a hearty, flavorful meal. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Butter Sauce

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, place the butter into a large baking dish and pop it inside the oven to melt. After about 5 minutes, the butter will be ready, and you can stir in the chopped onion, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. This fragrant base sets the stage for the chicken’s rich flavors.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the butter and onion mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly seasoned. Arrange them skin-side up in the baking dish. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

About 10 minutes before the chicken is done baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook it until tender but still firm (al dente), which should take 10-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine Spinach, Pasta, and Sauce

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Transfer the chicken thighs to a separate plate and stir the thawed spinach into the onion-butter sauce. The residual heat will warm the spinach as you mix. Add the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly in the buttery sauce. The cheese will melt right into the sauce, making it even more luxurious.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

To serve, plate the pasta and spinach mixture first, then place a juicy chicken thigh on top of each portion. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or more Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy the harmony of flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pasta and chicken dish has so many great qualities:

Foolproof recipe: Simple steps that deliver impressive results.
Rich flavors: Butter, basil, and Parmesan create a satisfying taste profile.
Healthy twist: Spinach sneaks in a serving of vegetables.
Flexible options: Customizable to suit dietary needs.
Elegant yet easy: Perfect for a casual family feast or entertaining guests.

You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like grilled steak sandwiches, which are perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Chicken Thighs and Pasta?

This dish looks as good as it tastes. Arrange the pasta on a plate with the chicken nestled on top for a visually stunning presentation. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, an extra hint of Parmesan cheese, or even a twist of fresh lemon for brightness. For pairing, serve it alongside crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements this dish beautifully if you’re serving for a special occasion.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the essential nutritional values per serving:

Calories: ~589
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~42g
Fat: ~30g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish can easily be made ahead with a little planning. After preparing it, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring portions into airtight containers.

Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain texture and taste.
Freezing: Freeze the pasta and chicken separately to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Through trial and error, I’ve picked up a few little hacks that make this dish even better:

Balance the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or omit them entirely.
Fresh Over Frozen: Use fresh spinach for a brighter taste and better presentation.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: This cheese ties the flavors together, so use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Reduce the Butter Grease: If preferred, remove some of the excess fat from the butter sauce before mixing it with pasta.

What Can I Cook with Chicken and Pasta?

Chicken and pasta are a classic match made in culinary heaven. Their pairing provides endless possibilities, from creamy Alfredo sauces to hearty tomato-based recipes. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, or a hint of lemon. With chicken and pasta as your base, your creations can range from light and fresh to rich and indulgent!

This chicken thighs and pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to dish for when you need a comforting yet impressive meal. Serve and savor every moment. For more inspiration, check out these steak recipes that offer a variety of flavors and styles.