Nif's Chicken and Spaghetti with a Middle Eastern Twist

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with Nif's Chicken and Spaghetti with a Middle Eastern Twist, a flavorful fusion of comfort food and exotic spices. Tender, golden-seared chicken thighs are simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce infused with earthy cumin, coriander, warm cinnamon, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne heat. This rich, aromatic sauce elegantly coats al dente spaghetti, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated. A finish of fresh parsley, cilantro, and a splash of zesty lemon juice adds brightness, while a sprinkle of za'atar offers an optional burst of Middle Eastern flair. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with globally inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 12 oz Spaghetti
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 14 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Za'atar seasoning (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pan. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

After 25 minutes, check the chicken for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

To serve, arrange the cooked spaghetti on a plate, top with the chicken and spoon the sauce over. Garnish with additional parsley, cilantro, or a sprinkle of za'atar if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1636.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1877.9

Total Fat 77.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 500mg	0%
Sodium 3807.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.9g	0%
Total Sugars 31.3g
Protein 137.0g	0%

Vitamin D 28IU	0%
Calcium 351.7mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 3426.1mg	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: 37.1%

Protein: 29.1%

Carbs: 33.8%