One-Pan Oven Chicken and Linguine: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this one-pan oven chicken and linguine! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the juicy chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together in a delicious broth that perfectly seasons the linguine. The best part? Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in a single pan, saving you time and effort.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy Cleanup:** As mentioned, one-pan meals are a lifesaver. Fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of chicken, pasta, and vegetables, all infused with garlic and herbs, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or change up the herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** With minimal prep time and simple cooking instructions, this recipe is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
* **Impressive Yet Simple:** This dish looks and tastes impressive, but it’s actually incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a casual dinner party or a special weeknight treat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

* **Chicken:** 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and tender during baking. You can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
* **Linguine:** 1 lb linguine pasta. Linguine is a classic choice that pairs well with the sauce, but you can substitute other long pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large onion, chopped. Onion provides a foundational flavor base for the sauce.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color.
* 1 zucchini, chopped. Zucchini adds a mild flavor and texture.
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. Cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and acidity.
* (Optional) 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped. Leafy greens add nutrients and color.
* **Broth:** 4 cups chicken broth. Chicken broth provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the dish.
* **Seasoning:**
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Oregano adds a classic Italian flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Basil complements the oregano and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Garnish:**
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Parsley adds freshness and color.
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish). Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory finish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect one-pan oven chicken and linguine:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, drizzle the olive oil over medium heat. This will allow the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Add the chopped bell pepper and zucchini and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. This will help them cook evenly in the oven.

**Step 2: Assemble the Dish**

1. Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is evenly spaced for even cooking.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Don’t be afraid to season generously, as this will flavor the entire dish.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the linguine to the skillet. Distribute the pasta evenly around the chicken and vegetables.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more broth to cover the pasta.

**Step 3: Bake the Dish**

1. Bring the broth to a simmer on the stovetop. This will help kickstart the cooking process in the oven.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. This will trap the steam and help cook the pasta evenly.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the lid or foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the chicken is slightly browned. This will help concentrate the flavors and give the dish a nice finish.
5. If using, stir in the spinach or kale during the last few minutes of baking until wilted. This will add a boost of nutrients and color to the dish.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add freshness, flavor, and visual appeal.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pan oven chicken and linguine!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites. Broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, and carrots all work well in this recipe.
* **Add Protein:** You can add other proteins like Italian sausage, shrimp, or tofu to this dish.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream after baking for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Add Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
* **Bone-in Chicken Thighs:** While boneless, skinless thighs are convenient, bone-in, skin-on thighs will provide even richer flavor. You’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly.
* **Different Pasta Shapes:** While linguine is classic, you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
* **Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables for added depth of flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.

## Serving Suggestions

This one-pan oven chicken and linguine is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and savory pasta dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prep the Vegetables:** You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) will enhance its flavor and tenderness. Use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 600-700 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fat: 20-30g

## Conclusion

This one-pan oven chicken and linguine is a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal!

## Recipe Card

**One-Pan Oven Chicken and Linguine**

A simple and delicious one-pan meal with juicy chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked linguine.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1 lb linguine pasta
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* (Optional) 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Arrange chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
7. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Add cherry tomatoes and linguine to the skillet.
9. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
10. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop.
11. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is tender.
13. Remove lid or foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until liquid is reduced and chicken is browned.
14. If using, stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of baking until wilted.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
16. Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Feel free to customize the vegetables and add other proteins.
* Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious one-pan oven chicken and linguine!