If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken with the comforting texture of pasta, look no further than this Oven Chicken and Linguini recipe. This dish is easy to make and delicious, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With succulent chicken thighs baked to perfection and a creamy linguini adorned with spinach and Parmesan, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why We Love This Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
This Oven Chicken and Linguini recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find, making it accessible for any home cook. The method of baking the chicken adds juicy depth, while the linguini blends beautifully with the spinach and the buttery sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup for you, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party with minimal effort!
Ingredients about Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
To prepare Oven Chicken and Linguini, make sure to gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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
Follow these straightforward steps to bring this delicious dish to life.
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Doing this step first allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature for cooking your chicken.
- Melt the Butter: Place half a cup of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven while it preheats. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Once the butter has melted, remove the baking dish from the oven. Stir in the chopped onion, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter. This mixture adds aromatic flavors to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs and place them into the baking dish. Make sure to turn them in the butter mixture until they are fully coated. Arrange the chicken so that the skin-side is facing up.
- Bake the Chicken: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear. You can use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Cook the Linguini: While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add the linguini and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
- Combine the Sauce with Pasta: In the same baking dish used for the chicken, stir the thawed and well-drained spinach into the butter sauce until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the cooked linguini and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together until evenly mixed.
- Serve the Dish: Finally, place the baked chicken on top of the linguini mixture. This not only looks appealing but also allows the chicken juices to mingle with the pasta, enriching the overall flavor of the dish.
How to Serve Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
Serving your Oven Chicken and Linguini is as easy as it is delicious. Present the dish directly from the baking dish for a rustic and inviting feel. Use tongs or a spatula to portion out the linguini and spinach onto each plate, ensuring a good amount of sauce is included. Top each serving with a succulent chicken thigh. You can garnish with fresh basil or a bit of extra Parmesan for an added touch. This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables on the side, providing a balanced meal that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Expert Tips: Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
Here are some expert tips to enhance your Oven Chicken and Linguini experience:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They provide moisture and flavor while baking, making the dish richer.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The red pepper flakes add a delightful kick, but you can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Ingredients: While frozen spinach is convenient, using fresh spinach will give a vibrant flavor. If you do use fresh, cook it down before adding it to the dish.
- Baking Time: Ensure that you monitor the chicken during baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Use a meat thermometer for a foolproof method.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the linguini mixture for additional flavor and nutrition.
How to Store Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
Storing your Oven Chicken and Linguini is straightforward. Allow the leftovers to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the dish in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help maintain moisture when reheating.
Variation of Oven Chicken and Linguini Recipe
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some variations you can try to customize your Oven Chicken and Linguini:
- Creamy Sauce Addition: For a richer sauce, stir in a little heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream along with the cheese and spinach.
- Different Meats: Substitute the chicken thighs for drumsticks or even boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pasta Alternatives: If linguini isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out for other pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta.
- Herbal Infusions: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or oregano, to alter the flavor profile and keep things exciting.
- Zesty Citrus: Add a bit of lemon juice or zest before serving for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the dish beautifully.
FAQ
What is the best type of chicken to use for this Oven Chicken and Linguini recipe? The best choice is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They add moisture and rich flavor while cooking, making the dish even more delicious.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the Oven Chicken and Linguini? Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used; just ensure it is well-cooked down before mixing it into the pasta.
How long can I store leftovers from Oven Chicken and Linguini? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I make this Oven Chicken and Linguini recipe in advance? Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and assemble the dish right before baking. Just add a bit more time to the baking process if you start with a cold dish.
What is a good side dish to serve with Oven Chicken and Linguini? A fresh garden salad or steamed veggies complement this dish beautifully, adding balance and color to your meal.
Oven Chicken and Linguini
Ingredients
For the dish
- 0.5 cup butter Used for coating the chicken and mixing with pasta
- 1 piece onion, chopped Adds flavor to the butter sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried basil Herb for aromatics
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes For a bit of heat; adjust according to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper To taste
- 3 pounds chicken thighs Bone-in, skin-on for moisture and flavor
- 1 pound linguine pasta Main pasta ingredient
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry Can be substituted with fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds creaminess and flavor to the dish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place half a cup of butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven while it preheats, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped onion, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the butter mixture and arrange them skin-side up in the baking dish.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken for about 1 hour, until no longer pink at the bone with juices running clear.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the linguini for about 11 minutes until tender.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with thawed spinach in the same baking dish with the butter sauce.
- Add the cooked linguini and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything until evenly combined.
- Top the pasta with the baked chicken before serving.
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