If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal wraps tender chicken cubes in a luscious tomato-based sauce, enriched with the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions and a splash of white wine. The creamy texture melds beautifully with perfectly cooked spaghetti, making it a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for weekday dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this dish is a breeze because it calls for everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, either building layers of rich taste, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to your plate.
- Brown gravy mix (0.87 oz): Acts as a quick thickener, giving the sauce a silky, hearty consistency.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 small): The star protein; tender and lean, they absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps to create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken to golden perfection, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Salted butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sauce and aids in caramelizing the onions.
- Yellow onion (1 small, sliced): Slowly cooked until caramelized, it introduces sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of aromatic warmth that complements the tomato sauce.
- Dry white wine (1 cup, or chicken broth): Provides acidity and complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz): The base of the sauce, offering a bright and familiar comfort.
- Thin spaghetti (about 3/4 lb): The perfect pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings classic Mediterranean herb flavors.
- Parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Freshness and color as a finishing touch.
- Mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Start by combining the brown gravy mix with one cup of cold water in a large measuring cup. Then add the tomato sauce along with the Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it will thicken the sauce and give it a luxurious body that makes every forkful so satisfying.
Step 2: Prep and Sear Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into uniform-sized cubes for even cooking. Season them liberally with salt and pepper, then toss gently with the flour to coat each piece. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken cubes for 3 to 4 minutes, turning so all sides get nicely browned. The goal is to create a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside tender. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside for now.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
With the heat off, pour in about a quarter cup of white wine to loosen all those caramelized chicken bits stuck to your pan’s surface. Then return to medium heat and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape those flavorful morsels free—they form the foundation of your sauce’s deep, rich taste.
Step 4: Cook Onions and Garlic
Add the butter to the skillet along with the sliced onions. Let these cook slowly over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes until translucent and golden brown, releasing natural sweetness and unmatchable aroma. Toss in the minced garlic for just a minute more to soften and bloom their flavor without burning.
Step 5: Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in the rest of your white wine and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This reduction step intensifies the wine’s flavors and helps balance out the richness of the butter and onions.
Step 6: Add Gravy Mixture and Return Chicken
Stir the reserved gravy mixture into the pan and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and nestle the seared chicken cubes back into the sauce. Let it cook together for several minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and soaks in all those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Cook Pasta
While the sauce simmers, prepare your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it is just al dente. This ensures the noodles have a nice bite and can stand up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Drain the pasta well once it’s ready.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Gently toss the cooked spaghetti into your skillet of creamy tomato sauce and caramelized onions along with the chicken. Let everything mingle for a minute so the noodles get evenly coated. Serve immediately, ideally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and some crusty garlic bread alongside to soak up any extra sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green color and fresh flavor that brightens the rich sauce. For an extra touch, a light grating of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances the dish’s indulgence without overpowering the core flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which contrasts the richness with refreshing acidity. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up the sauce, and roasted or steamed vegetables add a healthy balance and textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken and sauce atop twirled nests of spaghetti on each plate, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. Alternatively, portion the scallopini into individual cast iron skillets for a rustic yet charming effect that keeps the dish warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer leftover chicken scallopini and pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals that require minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce and chicken mixture separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly and be sure to cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative for the white wine?
Yes, chicken broth or a non-alcoholic white wine substitute works well and keeps the sauce flavorful without the alcohol. The acidity from tomato sauce combined with herbs will keep the dish balanced.
How do I know when the onions are perfectly caramelized?
When the onions turn a deep golden brown, smell sweet rather than sharp, and have softened to a silky texture, they are beautifully caramelized. This process takes patience but adds incredible depth.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free gravy mix and gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken. Also, pick gluten-free pasta to keep every element safe and delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Cutting chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce nicely. Avoid very large pieces that take longer to cook or very small ones that dry out faster.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Its comforting richness, balanced by bright tomato and sweet onions, makes every dinner memorable without spending hours. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and prepare for the compliments coming your way!
Print
Creamy Chicken Scallopini with Tomato Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender, lightly floured chicken cubes seared to golden perfection and served in a savory tomato and wine gravy. Caramelized onions and garlic enrich the sauce, which is served over thin spaghetti for a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired meal, perfect for a family dinner in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Gravy and Sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for a saucier dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine the brown gravy mix with 1 cup of cold water. Stir in the tomato sauce and the Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prep and Sear Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into equal-sized cubes. Season them with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat each piece evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cubes for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat momentarily, then add 1/4 cup of the white wine to the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — these add great flavor.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20 minutes or until the onions become soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Wine and Reduce: Pour in the remaining white wine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Gravy Mixture: Pour the prepared gravy and tomato sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Return the seared chicken cubes to the skillet to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, mixing well to coat evenly. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately, optionally accompanied by garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of flour on the chicken to achieve a light coating that aids in browning without clumping.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce gently to prevent burning and to develop rich flavors.
- Thin spaghetti works best for this dish but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
- Caramelizing onions may take longer than usual; patience will reward you with deeper flavor.
