Spaghetti with minced chicken

Spaghetti with Ground Chicken: A Quick and Satisfying Delicacy

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a steaming plate of spaghetti, covered with a delicious, flavor-rich sauce? This ground chicken spaghetti recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a casual meal. Let’s embark on this delightful cooking adventure together, bringing joy to your tables.

Recipe History
Spaghetti is a symbol of culinary tradition, enjoyed worldwide. Over time, each culture has infused its own identity into pasta preparation. This ground chicken spaghetti recipe combines simple ingredients with cooking techniques to create a flavorful and comforting dish.

Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 1 ½ boneless chicken breast
- 1 small jar of mushrooms (about 200 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon dried basil
- 400 g canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if preferred)
- 100 ml white wine (optional, but recommended for a deeper flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 g grated cheese or parmesan
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step by Step: How to Make Spaghetti with Ground Chicken

1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing the chicken breast under cold water. Cut it into smaller pieces, then run it through a meat grinder. This method ensures tender and well-ground meat, perfect for the sauce.

2. Chop the Onion and Mushrooms
Peel and finely chop the onion. Drain the mushrooms from the jar, rinse them under cold water, and cut them into small cubes. These will add a pleasant texture to the sauce.

3. Cook the Onion
In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as we want to keep the sweet flavor of the onion.

4. Add the Meat and Mushrooms
Add the ground meat and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns white. It's essential not to overheat the mixture to maintain the meat's juiciness.

5. Add the Wine and Tomatoes
Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, add the diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

6. Boil the Spaghetti
In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Add a teaspoon of butter to prevent the pasta from sticking. When the water boils, add the spaghetti and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10 and 12 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally!

7. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet over the meat sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Alternatively, you can serve the pasta on a plate and pour the sauce on top, depending on your preferences.

8. Finalize the Dish
Grate cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. This detail will not only add a touch of freshness but also a color contrast that makes the dish more appealing.

9. Serving
Serve the spaghetti immediately, alongside a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. You'll notice that the rich aroma of the sauce perfectly complements the texture of the pasta, creating a true feast for the senses.

Practical Tips
- Pork or Beef Variation: If you want to change things up a bit, you can use pork or beef. This will add a distinct flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh Mushrooms: If you prefer fresh mushrooms, use 200 g of champignon or shiitake mushrooms, to taste.
- Adding Vegetables: You can enrich the sauce with vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat spaghetti, which is higher in fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! There are various gluten-free pasta options available that pair perfectly with this sauce.
2. How can I store the sauce for later?
The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can substitute the meat with tofu or plant-based meat and use vegan cheese.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken and cheese, as well as vitamins from the vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect the body. Additionally, consuming whole grain pasta can contribute to better digestion.

Conclusion
Spaghetti with ground chicken is an excellent choice for a quick and tasty meal. With a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and add your own touches! Enjoy your meal!