Name: Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (0.87 oz) or homemade brown gravy; 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitution); 8 oz tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon parsley; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon butter (salted); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for saucier pasta)

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Introduction

Chicken Scallopini is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and wine sauce. Served over delicate spaghetti, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners with friends.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, all coated in a reddish-orange tomato sauce. The noodles are long and slightly twisted, with the sauce giving them a glossy texture. The chicken chunks are golden brown and scattered evenly throughout the dish. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top for color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a beige cloth is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (0.87 oz) (or homemade brown gravy)
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 small yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
8 oz tomato sauce
3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for saucier pasta)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large measuring cup with a spout, mix the brown gravy packet with 1 cup of cold water until well combined. Add the tomato sauce and seasonings (Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt). Set aside.
Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat thoroughly.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden on one side. Toss and cook the remaining sides for about 3 more minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Turn off the heat briefly, pour in 1/4 cup of the white wine, then turn the heat back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 5: Add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onions are very softened and nearly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Add the remaining white wine and let it gently bubble, reducing for about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Pour in the prepared gravy and tomato sauce mixture. Bring to a boil and let thicken for 30 seconds, then reduce to a simmer. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and partially cover.
Step 9: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1/4 tablespoon salt). Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
Step 10: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic bread topped with cheese.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute chicken broth for white wine or use a dry white wine for a more authentic flavor.
To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for dusting the chicken and a gluten-free pasta.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for added texture and flavor.
Homemade brown gravy can easily replace the packet for fresher taste—just mix beef or chicken stock with a roux made from butter and flour.

Storage

Store leftover chicken scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Pasta may absorb sauce after storage, so adjust liquid as needed.

How to Serve

Two side-by-side images show the cooking process of a pasta dish in a silver pan on a white marbled surface. The left image shows a thick, rich red-brown sauce with small pieces of browned meat, topped with a neat mound of plain, light yellow cooked spaghetti piled in the center. The right image shows the sauce and spaghetti fully mixed, with the noodles coated evenly in the sauce giving a uniform orange-brown color, and the meat pieces spread throughout the noodles for a textured look. The texture appears soft and slightly glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted; they offer a richer flavor and remain juicy, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

What if I don’t have a gravy mix packet?

You can make a simple homemade brown gravy by mixing equal parts butter and flour to create a roux, then slowly whisking in beef or chicken stock until smooth and thickened.