Embark on a culinary journey that marries the classic comfort of spaghetti with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of curry. This Chicken and Curry Spaghetti is a delightful fusion dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds, bringing together the creaminess of a rich sauce with the warmth of exotic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
Ingredients
- 350g (12.3 oz) spaghetti
- 2 chicken fillets (300-400g / 10.5-14 oz), cut into strips or cubes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) single cream (or coconut cream for a more exotic version)
- 100ml (3.4 fl oz) chicken stock (or water + stock cube)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Perfect Pasta Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water for later use.
2. Searing the Chicken to Golden Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips or cubes to the pan.
- Brown the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Crafting the Creamy Curry Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour in chicken stock and cream, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Bringing It All Together
- Return the seared chicken to the curry sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
- Gently toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
Why This Recipe is a Healthy and Delicious Choice
This Chicken Curry Spaghetti offers a balanced and nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The lean chicken provides high-quality protein, while the curry powder brings a wealth of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Using single cream or coconut cream adds a luxurious texture, and the dish can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, substitute single cream with Greek yogurt or use light coconut milk. To boost the nutritional value, consider adding some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.