Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz) or homemade brown gravy
- 1 cup cold water
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pasta
- 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for saucier pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the gravy mixture: In a large measuring cup with a spout, thoroughly mix the brown gravy packet with 1 cup of cold water. Add the tomato sauce and the seasonings (Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt), then set this mixture aside.
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Season them with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the flour over the pieces and toss well to evenly coat each piece.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken cubes and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Toss and continue cooking on all sides for approximately 3 more minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet: Turn off the heat briefly. Add 1/4 cup of white wine to the skillet, then turn the heat back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet, which will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Cook the onions: Add butter and the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions become very soft and nearly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Simmer wine: Pour in the remaining white wine, letting it gently bubble and reduce for 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the prepared gravy and tomato sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 30 seconds, then lower the heat to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet to coat with sauce and warm through, partially covering the pan.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water with approximately 1/4 tablespoon salt. Add the thin spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth for white wine for a milder taste.
- Using homemade brown gravy mix enhances flavor and avoids preservatives.
- Caramelizing onions slowly adds deep sweetness to the sauce.
- Adjust spaghetti quantity if you prefer a saucier pasta dish.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian