Heart-Healthy Chicken Spaghetti

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Heart-Healthy Chicken Spaghetti, a delicious and wholesome twist on a classic comfort dish. Made with tender pieces of protein-rich chicken breast, vibrant red bell peppers, zucchini, and antioxidant-packed diced tomatoes, this recipe is both nutritious and bursting with flavor. The whole grain spaghetti adds fiber for a satisfying base, while aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and basil create a Mediterranean-inspired sauce that's light yet deeply savory. Simmered in low-sodium chicken broth and brightened with a hint of fresh lemon juice, this dish is designed for those seeking heart-health benefits without sacrificing taste. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe serves four and is a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free pasta night.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain spaghetti
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole grain spaghetti according to package instructions, omitting any added salt or fat. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mince the garlic cloves and add to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Chop the red bell pepper and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine with the sauce and vegetables.

Step 9

Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the spaghetti mixture. Add ground black pepper and lemon juice, stirring gently to incorporate.

Step 10

Serve the Heart-Healthy Chicken Spaghetti warm, garnished with a little more fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1821.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1654.2

Total Fat 49.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 385.6mg	0%
Sodium 2325.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 34.4g
Protein 168.5g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 257.6mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 3201.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.0%

Protein: 40.5%

Carbs: 32.6%