This recipe for roasted chicken on angel hair pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken and delicate pasta strands, all smothered in a delicious tomato and oregano sauce. It's a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a cosy family dinner or a special evening with friends.
The majority of ingredients are pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to look out for. Fresh oregano is used in this recipe and while dried oregano can be substituted, the fresh herb adds a unique burst of flavor that's truly worth it. Also, the recipe calls for whole chicken legs and large chicken breast halves which might not be readily available in your refrigerator but are commonly found at supermarket poultry sections.
Ingredients for Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair pasta: This is a thin, delicate type of pasta that soaks up the sauce well and provides a nice contrast to the hearty chicken.
Olive oil: Used to cook the tomatoes and to give the pasta and chicken a nice, moist texture.
Tomatoes with their juices: This adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dish and keeps the chicken moist while roasting.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness.
Red pepper: Gives a bit of heat to the dish.
Fresh oregano: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Chicken legs: These become incredibly tender and flavorful when roasted.
Chicken breast halves: Used for their lean, mild flavor which pairs well with the robust sauce.
One reader, Jard Longoria says:
This roasted chicken on angel hair pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the chicken is so tender and juicy. The combination of the pasta and the roasted chicken is simply divine. It's a definite must-try for anyone who loves a comforting and delicious meal.
Cooking Techniques for Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
How to roast the chicken: Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breasts and thighs registers 165°F. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
How to cook the angel hair pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rapid boil over high heat and cook the angel hair until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a baking dish.
How to cook the tomatoes: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and their juices, salt, black pepper, red pepper, and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the nests in the baking dish.
How To Make Roast Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
This unique pasta recipe is easily a two-in-one meal that you can cook in an hour. Chicken is roasted on top of angel hair pasta with loads of oregano.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbangel hair pasta
- 6tbspolive oil,divided
- 1cantomatoes with their juices,diced
- 1tspsalt,divided
- ½tspblack pepper
- ¼tspred pepper,crushed
- 2tbspfresh oregano,chopped, divided
- 1½lbschicken legs,(thighs and drumsticks attached), on the bone
- 1½lbschicken breast halves,on the bone
- 1sprigfresh oregano,leaves removed, for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a pot of salted water to a rapid boil over high heat and cook the angel hair for about 4 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta.
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Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Using tongs, transfer the pasta to the baking dish.
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Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over top of the pasta and set the dish aside.
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Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Warm 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the tomatoes and their juices, some salt, black pepper, red pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the oregano.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the nests; they will not be covered completely.
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Rub the chicken skin with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and black pepper. Set the chicken on the nests, skin side up. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of oregano.
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Transfer the dish to the oven and roast the chicken for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breasts and thighs registers 165 degrees F. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes.
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Cut the legs in half to make 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks. Cut the breasts in half horizontally.
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Break up the angel hair with a metal spoon or knife. Serve the chicken pieces with some of the pasta from underneath.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1267.25kcal
- Fat: 65.00g
- Saturated Fat: 15.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 32.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.87g
- Carbohydrates: 87.60g
- Fiber: 5.13g
- Sugar: 3.87g
- Protein: 78.55g
- Cholesterol: 267.05mg
- Sodium: 872.89mg
- Calcium: 101.62mg
- Potassium: 1059.09mg
- Iron: 4.96mg
- Vitamin A: 96.41µg
- Vitamin C: 4.33mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, consider using a meat thermometer. This tool is not only useful for checking the doneness of your chicken, but it can also help prevent overcooking. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone to get the most accurate reading. Once it reaches the desired temperature, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the tomato mixture and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Multitask: While the chicken is roasting, use that time to cook the angel hair pasta and prepare the baking dish for serving.
Use pre-cut chicken: Consider using pre-cut chicken pieces to save time on the preparation process.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked perfectly, saving time and guesswork.
Substitute Ingredients For Roast Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Angel hair pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
Tomatoes with their juices - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative, providing the same rich tomato flavor and juices for the sauce.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, providing a different flavor without the visible specks in the dish.
Red pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for red pepper, adding a mild, smoky flavor to the dish.
Fresh oregano - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for fresh oregano, providing a similar flavor and aroma to the dish.
Chicken legs - Substitute with turkey legs: Turkey legs can be used as a substitute for chicken legs, offering a similar texture and flavor when roasted.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breast, providing a similar protein source for the dish.
How to Plate Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
Elevate the angel hair pasta: Gently twirl the angel hair pasta into small, delicate nests within the dish, creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh oregano: Sprinkle freshly picked oregano leaves over the roasted chicken and angel hair pasta to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Arrange the chicken pieces strategically: Place the roasted chicken pieces on top of the angel hair pasta nests, ensuring that they are positioned in a visually appealing manner to showcase the succulent, golden-brown skin.
Drizzle with olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the dish to add a glistening sheen and enhance the flavors of the roasted chicken and angel hair pasta.
Use a white, wide-rimmed plate: Present the roasted chicken on angel hair pasta on a pristine white, wide-rimmed plate to create a striking contrast and allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
- Pot: A large, sturdy cooking vessel used for boiling pasta and other ingredients.
- Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of meat to ensure it is cooked to the proper level of doneness.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Metal spoon or knife: A metal utensil used for breaking up and serving the angel hair pasta.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
- Let the roasted chicken and angel hair pasta cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the pasta soggy.
- Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 4 days, while the pasta will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
- If you want to freeze the dish, it's best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately. Place the cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the pasta, toss it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat the frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To reheat the frozen pasta, place it in a colander and run hot water over it until it's thawed and heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- When reheating the dish, you may need to add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the pasta to help loosen it up and prevent it from drying out.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted chicken and angel hair pasta in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken and pasta are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents the pasta from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover roasted chicken and angel hair pasta in a microwave-safe dish, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken and pasta are heated through. Be sure to stir the pasta halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover roasted chicken and angel hair pasta, try sautéing it in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This will give the dish a fresh taste and a crispy texture.
Another option is to turn your leftover roasted chicken and angel hair pasta into a cold pasta salad. Simply chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and toss it with the pasta, some chopped vegetables, and your favorite salad dressing. This is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
If you have a lot of leftover roasted chicken, you can shred it and use it in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or soup. Simply add the shredded chicken to your favorite recipe, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time.
Interesting Trivia About Roasted Chicken and Angel Hair Pasta
The roasted chicken on angel hair pasta recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken and flavorful pasta. It offers a perfect blend of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and balanced meal. This dish is a great way to impress guests or enjoy a special family dinner. The roasted chicken adds a delicious savory element to the angel hair pasta, creating a harmonious and delectable flavor profile. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit individual preferences. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory occasion, this dish is sure to please the palate.
Budget-Friendly: Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta
The cost-effectiveness of this roasted chicken on angel hair pasta recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and easily accessible, making it a great option for a household. The combination of chicken and pasta provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $20, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta Healthy?
The roasted chicken on angel hair pasta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects:
Healthy elements:
- Chicken is a lean protein source
- Tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants
- Oregano offers some beneficial compounds
Less healthy aspects:
- High in calories due to the pasta and olive oil
- Lacks a significant amount of vegetables
- May be high in sodium, depending on the canned tomatoes used
To make this dish healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Reduce the amount of pasta and increase the quantity of vegetables, such as adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients
- Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes to reduce the salt content
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken to lower the overall fat content
- Use a combination of olive oil and a lower-calorie cooking spray to minimize the total amount of oil used in the recipe
- Serve the dish with a side salad to increase the vegetable intake and provide a balanced meal
By incorporating these changes, you can enhance the nutritional value of the roasted chicken on angel hair pasta while still maintaining its delicious flavors. The addition of colorful vegetables will not only boost the dish's health benefits but also make it more visually appealing and satisfying.
Editor's Opinion on the Roasted Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
The combination of tender roasted chicken and flavorful angel hair pasta creates a delightful and satisfying dish. The use of fresh oregano and tomatoes adds a burst of freshness and depth of flavor. The cooking method ensures that the chicken is succulent and the pasta is perfectly cooked. However, consider adding some garlic and perhaps a splash of white wine to elevate the flavors even further. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Roast Chicken on Angel Hair Pasta Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features angel hair pasta perfectly complemented by succulent roasted chicken. The use of tomatoes with their juices adds a burst of freshness, while the blend of fresh oregano and olive oil infuses rich flavors. The meticulous cooking instructions ensure a tender and juicy outcome, promising a memorable meal. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and savor the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures.
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