Baked Spaghetti with Chicken
This Baked Spaghetti with Chicken is a fab slimming-friendly pasta dinner to have in the colder months whether you’re counting calories or following a diet plan like Weight Watchers.
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories351
- Carbs31g
- Protein40g
- Fat8g
- Saturates2g
- Sugars8g
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For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
We LOVE spaghetti: it’s so versatile, quick to cook and goes well with so many other ingredients and sauces. But sometimes, you just fancy a little change to the usual spag bol but don’t have loads of time to experiment. Have you ever finished off spaghetti by baking it? It means you can combine all of your ingredients into one pot and pop it in the oven. Super easy, and less washing up!
You need to boil the pasta as normal, but leave it ‘al dente’, meaning firm to the bite. It’s just undercooked by a couple of minutes so that it finishes off in the oven as soft, delicious pasta that absorbs sauce really well.
There’s even a method of slow cooking this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken, so you can do the prep and let the slow cooker do the hard work while you get on with your day, and sit down to a warm, spiced pasta dish for dinner that’s cooked to perfection!
What diets is this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken suitable for?
This recipe is suitable if you’re gluten free as long as you swap out the following ingredients for gluten free versions;
- Stock cubes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Spaghetti
You could also enjoy this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken if you’re dairy free.
Please make sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients if you’re cooking for people with allergies.
Do you need any special ingredients to make Baked Spaghetti with Chicken?
You’ll be able to find all of the ingredients for this recipe in the supermarket.
You also need some bucatini or spaghetti! What is bucatini I hear you ask? It’s a hollow spaghetti. It cooks much faster than spaghetti, and in my opinion it holds sauce better too. You can get it from some supermarkets (including Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s), it’s with all the other pastas.
You’ll also need a sturdy casserole pot.
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We used a Le Creuset shallow casserole for this, but a friend of ours swears by the VonShef cast irons ones. They’re really good!
We like to cook this in a slow cooker too. You can pick up slow cookers in most large supermarkets, or online from Amazon.
How many calories are in this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken?
There are 351 calories in each portion of our slimming friendly Baked Spaghetti with Chicken. This means it falls into our Everyday Light recipe category.
This recipe is perfect if you’re following a calorie controlled diet, and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight then you might want to adjust these slightly! You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
In the oven
Step 1
Mix paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice and salt – sprinkle over chicken thighs – let sit for 10-20 mins.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Step 3
Heat a large pan/casserole dish, spray with Low calorie cooking spray and lightly brown the chicken thighs then set aside.
Step 4
If any bits have stuck to the pan (they should – it’s good!) pour in a little water or white wine vinegar to scrape it away. Keep it in the pan – don’t throw it away!
Step 5
Spray the pan with low calorie cooking spray and fry the onions, celery, carrot, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and garlic.
Step 6
When the onion begins to soften, add the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce – fry off for a further 3 minutes, stirring often.
Step 7
Add the 150ml of stock, tin of chopped tomatoes and place the chicken on top.
Step 8
Place in the oven for 20 minutes.
Step 9
Whilst the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta but take 2 minutes off the packet instructions. We need it to be al dente – which means not quite cooked. Drain it and set aside.
Step 10
Lift the chicken out the oven, and remove the chicken. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if necessary (you may need a stock pot or stock cube – it’s up to you!).
Step 11
Add the pasta to the sauce, making sure to slick all the pasta with the sauce. Add the chicken back in but place it under the pasta if you can.
Step 12
Cover the dish, and place back in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Step 13
Lift out of the oven, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
In the slow cooker
Step 1
Mix paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice and salt – sprinkle over chicken thighs – let sit for 10-20 mins.
Step 2
Spray a pan with with low calorie cooking spray and lightly brown the chicken thighs then set aside into the slow cooker.
Step 3
If any bits have stuck to the pan (they should – it’s good!) pour in a little water or white wine vinegar to scrape it away. Keep it in the pan – don’t throw it away!
Step 4
Spray the pan with low calorie cooking spray and fry the onions, celery, carrot, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and garlic.
Step 5
When the onion begins to soften, add the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce – fry off for a further 3 minutes, stirring often.
Step 6
Pop the contents of the pan into the slow cooker.
Step 7
Add the 150ml of stock, tin of chopped tomatoes and cook on high for 3-5 hours.
Step 8
Remove the lid for the last hour to let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 9
Cook the pasta but take 2 minutes off the packet instructions. We need it to be al dente – which means not quite cooked. Drain it and pop it into the slow cooker.
Step 10
Cover the slow cooker, and let it cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
Step 11
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
What should you should serve with Baked Spaghetti with Chicken?
Any of the following go really well with Baked Spaghetti with Chicken. It’s one of those dishes that goes with pretty much anything. It’s so hearty it can of course be eaten on its own!
Whatever accompaniment you choose, don’t forget to account for the extra calories and/or other nutritional values.
Can you cook this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken another way?
Yes! You can cook this recipe in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
Oven: 30 minutes or so – see further instructions in the recipe card below.
Slow Cooker: 3-5 hours or so – see further instructions in the recipe card below.
How do you know when this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken is cooked?
You should cook this recipe until the chicken is completely cooked through and the juices run clear. The pasta should be cooked but have a slight bite (al dente).
This should take approx 30 minutes in the oven or 5 hours in the slow cooker.
Standard advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep your family safe.
Can I freeze this Baked Spaghetti with Chicken?
Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;
- Freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
- Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing.
Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!
How do I reheat Baked Spaghetti with Chicken?
From chilled: Place in a microwave proof container with loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot.
From frozen: Allow to defrost, and heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until piping hot.
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Baked Spaghetti with Chicken
This Baked Spaghetti with Chicken is a fab slimming-friendly pasta dinner to have in the colder months whether you’re counting calories or following a diet plan like Weight Watchers.
-
Prep Time
10 MINS
-
Cook Time
30 MINS
- KCals 351
- Carbs 31G
Instructions
In the Oven
- Mix paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice & salt - sprinkle over chicken thighs - let sit for 10-20 mins
- Preheat your oven to 200°C
- Heat a large pan/casserole dish, spray with low calorie cooking spray and lightly brown the chicken thighs then set aside
- If any bits have stuck to the pan (they should - it’s good!) pour in a little water or white wine vinegar to scrape it away. Keep it in the pan - don’t throw it away!
- Spray the pan with low calorie cooking spray and fry the onions, celery, carrot, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and garlic.
- When the onion begins to soften, add the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce - fry off for a further 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the 150ml of stock, tin of chopped tomatoes and place the chicken on top.
- Place in the oven for 20 minutes
- Whilst the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta but take 2 minutes off the packet instructions. We need it to be al dente - which means not quite cooked. Drain it and set aside.
- Lift the chicken out the oven, and remove the chicken. Taste the sauce & add more seasoning if necessary (you may need a stock pot or stock cube - it’s up to you!).
- Add the pasta to the sauce, making sure to slick all the pasta with the sauce. Add the chicken back in but place it under the pasta if you can.
- Cover the dish, and place back in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Lift out of the oven, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
In the slow cooker
- Mix paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice & salt - sprinkle over chicken thighs - let sit for 10-20 mins
- Spray a pan with with low calorie cooking spray and lightly brown the chicken thighs then set aside into the slow cooker.
- If any bits have stuck to the pan (they should - it’s good!) pour in a little water or white wine vinegar to scrape it away. Keep it in the pan - don’t throw it away!
- Spray the pan with low calorie cooking spray and fry the onions, celery, carrot, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and garlic.
- When the onion begins to soften, add the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce - fry off for a further 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Pop the contents of the pan into the slow cooker.
- Add the 150ml of stock, tin of chopped tomatoes and cook on high for 3-5 hours.
- Remove the lid for the last hour to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Cook the pasta but take 2 minutes off the packet instructions. We need it to be al dente - which means not quite cooked. Drain it and pop it into the slow cooker
- Cover the slow cooker, and let it cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
With ever-changing plans and point calculations, we have made the decision to remove WW Points from the website - referring to your individual plan or advice from your consultant is always going to give the most accurate results.
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Recipe notes
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66 comments
See what others have to say
MummyG44Tuesday 14th July 2020
I really enjoyed this but wondered if it might also work with salmon fillets?
SharonTuesday 14th July 2020
Hi Sonja, thanks for getting in touch with your idea. We haven’t tried this ourselves, but it should work well if you just reduce the cooking time a little, as salmon will cook more quickly than chicken.
SonjaThursday 23rd July 2020
I tried it with the salmon and it was lovely. As you said; it just needs cooking slightly less and you have to be careful with the salmon when lifting them on and off as they are delicate. Also next time I’ll buy salmon with no skin on as that was tricky to get off once it was cooked in the spaghetti. Otherwise another delicious pinch of nom dish.
SharonFriday 24th July 2020
Hi Sonja, thanks for letting us know how it went with using salmon in this dish. We’re really pleased to hear it worked well and thanks for the tip about using skinless salmon, a good idea!
ChantelleSaturday 27th June 2020
Can you use chicken breasts instead of thighs please?
Steve CowderoyMonday 29th June 2020
Hi Chantelle, yes you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. But be aware that they will cook a little quicker than the the thighs. Make sure that before serving you check that they are cooked thoroughly. Hope this helps.
Lyndis SwindenTuesday 12th May 2020
Lyndis
Tuesday 12 May 2020
I have made this recipe 4 times now, fabulous. My
husband has not yet realised it’s a healthy meal ,
I have always used the slow cooker method, it feels more relaxed, time for a cuppa, or even a little sherry before I add the pasta.
Steve CowderoyWednesday 13th May 2020
Hi Lyndis, so glad you are enjoying this recipe. Thanks for getting in touch with us.
LauraWednesday 25th March 2020
Can I use lemon juice from bottle I dont have any fresh. Thank you
Sharon FitzpatrickWednesday 6th May 2020
Hi Laura, yes, you can use bottled lemon juice instead. A lemon contains approximately 2 tbsp of juice, so use about 2 tbsp of the bottled lemon juice instead.Thanks for getting in touch!
BrendaSaturday 22nd February 2020
Just made this for tea, it was delicious- better than what you get in a restaurant!
HollyWednesday 6th May 2020
Hi Brenda, so glad you enjoyed the spaghetti!
BethFriday 17th January 2020
HI would using whole wheat spaghetti and chicken breast ower the points if on purple?
Steve CowderoyFriday 22nd May 2020
Hi Beth, thanks for getting in touch with us, yes if you use whole wheat pasta it does lower the points on purple. Hope this helps and let us know how you get on.
SusieFriday 10th January 2020
Would the timings differ if chicken breasts used in stead of thighs ??
Holly LevellMonday 1st June 2020
Hi Susie, yes you would need to alter the timings if you substitute the thighs for chicken breasts as they would cook quicker. Just keep and eye on them and make sure that the chicken is cooked through. Hope that helps!
Mary ryderThursday 20th June 2019
Hi I have bought your book this week, already cooked two meals, goulash, yum yum, and the dirty rice,( or as my husband said, that mucky rice dish was fab),
Cooking the chicken with Diet Coke tonight. My question is, how do I know what are everyday light recipes on your site, I love that in your book I know everyday light will be more help with slimming
Thanks
Mary
Steve CowderoyTuesday 19th May 2020
Hi Mary, so glad you are enjoying our book, to find our Everyday Light recipes on the website you can use the headings in our recipe section. Hope this helps and please let us know how the Diet Coke Chicken goes.
LauraMonday 17th June 2019
Hi
How long would this need to be cooked for on a low setting in the slow cooker please?
Many thanks
Laura
Emma TThursday 20th June 2019
Hi Laura,
We’ve not tried making this in the slow cooker so haven’t got the timings. Perhaps have a look at our Slow Cooker recipe section instead ????
https://pinchofnom.com/recipe/index/slow-cooking
lisaWednesday 8th May 2019
Hi – I am making this today – pls can you confirm whether garlic should be whole or cut as it says cut in one comment and while in another. thank you ????
Emma TMonday 3rd June 2019
Hi Lisa,
The recipe leaves them whole, but if you’d like to slice them then that would work too! ????
JaneTuesday 16th April 2019
I cant wait to make this. I love you guys x
Linda JackamanWednesday 27th February 2019
Hi the baked spaghetti with chicken to you put the garlic in whole or does it need to be chopped.
Thanks
Linda
Caroline ScholesThursday 20th December 2018
When adding the pasta in the slow cooker, do I need to mix the pasta in with the sauce or just lay it on the top? Thanks
Brendan RocheSunday 7th October 2018
It has 4 Servings yet there is only 6 chicken thighs, would it not be better with 8
Joanne AdairMonday 20th August 2018
This was tonight’s evening meal and it was delicious, everyone in the house ate it, even my fussy eating daughter, in fact she couldn’t stop raving about it. I doubled the dry spice quantities and added 300g of spaghetti, we’re greedy 😉 and then i threw my HE on top in the form of cheese. Thank you Pinch of Nom.
Carol PostingsSaturday 2nd June 2018
I Made this recipe yesterday absolutely lovely very tasty,enjoyed by my Daughter her hubby and Granchildren,will definitely be making again soon for my other Granchildren,and of course myself.
RyanSunday 29th April 2018
Hi, aren’t chicken thighs more fattening? I presume you have to open up each thigh and trim all the visible fat from inside as well as out?
KayMonday 26th February 2018
Would it be better to marinade overnight?
JoanneWednesday 14th February 2018
Are these boneless thighs?
GemmaThursday 8th February 2018
This may sound silly but do you put the garlic cloves in whole or crush them please?
SueMonday 5th February 2018
This was so yummy”…. I added some chilli flakes for a zing. The lemon juice was a good ingredient too. Will definately make it again
NicolaSunday 4th February 2018
Hi there, i’m Currently making this recipe now!
Just wanted to check, the first time the chicken/sauce recipe is in the oven should there be a lid on it? I put the lid on and noticed that it looked a bit too ’liquidy’ so I checked and it doesn’t say to put the lid on
SamMonday 8th January 2018
Can i use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
laureneTuesday 17th October 2017
My carrots are still hard…..what did I do wrong? Have popped back in the oven for 5, see if that makes a difference ????
Jayne BarberSaturday 14th October 2017
Hi
If using the slow cooker method can you do the preparation the night before and then just pop it in the slow cooker the next morning ?
JennyFriday 6th October 2017
Could I cook it less time than 3 hours in the instant pot? Thanks
steredFriday 6th October 2017
Hi, Could this dish be made in an Instant pot please.
JennyThursday 5th October 2017
Can I use my instant pot to make this?
Rob WilliamsSunday 1st October 2017
This looks fantastic! If it’s half as good as your one pot mediterranean chicken orzo then it’ll be fab. The only problem I’ve got is which night to do it on!
Thanks
Sue darkenThursday 28th September 2017
Hi Kay, when you use tomato purée and it’s ‘concentrated’ would you use half the amount in any recipe? Thank you. Will try this dish tomorrow sounds great. X
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