Name: Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (0.87 oz); 1 cup cold water; 8 oz tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon parsley; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 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); 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for saucier pasta)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 38 reviews

If you’re craving something comforting yet truly special, the Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender, golden chicken with a rich, savory tomato-bacon gravy, balanced perfectly by sweet sautéed onions, all served atop al dente spaghetti. Every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug from the inside. Once you try this, it’ll surely become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or weekend comfort meals to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two metal pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains a light brown sauce with visible onion slices and herbs mixed in, with a woman's hand pouring a reddish sauce into it from a small glass jar. The right pan holds a thick, dark red sauce with many small, pale cooked chicken pieces spread on top. Both pans have silver handles and are photographed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this savory Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe is straightforward because the ingredients are simple but incredibly important. Each one plays a role whether it's adding depth, flavor, or that perfect texture you crave.

Brown Gravy Mix (.87 oz.): Provides a quick, tasty base for the gravy that enhances savory notes beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 small): Tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the flavorful gravy.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken and sauce.
Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps create a subtle crust on the chicken and thickens the gravy slightly.
Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Used for searing chicken, adding a light fruity aroma and crispy texture.
Butter (1 tablespoon salted): Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
Yellow onion (1 small, sliced): When sautéed, they become soft, sweet, and add a lovely contrast to the savory sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Boosts the dish with a fragrant and mouthwatering punch of flavor.
Dry white wine (1 cup) or chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and adds complexity and depth to the gravy.
Tomato sauce (8 oz.): Brings acidity and richness that beautifully balance the smoky bacon flavor.
Thin spaghetti (¾ lb.): The perfect pasta to soak up all that luscious gravy and chicken juices.
Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt: A pinch of these herbs and spices enhances every bite by layering the flavor.

How to Make Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

Start by mixing the brown gravy packet with a cup of cold water in a large measuring cup with a spout to make pouring easy. Once combined, stir in the tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and salt and set this savory base aside. This combo will be the rich heart of your dish’s gravy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then toss with flour until lightly coated. This coating is crucial for creating a golden crust that locks in juiciness and adds texture to every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. When hot, add the chicken pieces and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden color. Cook all sides until the chicken is fully cooked through, roughly another 3 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

With the heat off, pour about ¼ cup of the wine into the skillet. Turn the heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape the browned bits off the bottom and sides of the pan. These caramelized bits add an incredible depth to your sauce that cannot be rushed or skipped.

Step 5: Sauté the Onions

Add the butter and sliced yellow onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 20 minutes until the onions become very soft and almost caramelized. This slow cooking process draws out their natural sweetness and creates a luscious layer in the gravy.

Step 6: Add Garlic and Continue Cooking

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Garlic releases its aroma quickly and adds that irresistible warmth and complexity when paired with the onions.

Step 7: Add Remaining Wine and Reduce

Pour in the remaining wine and let the mixture bubble gently for 5 minutes. This simmer helps concentrate the flavors for a rich and well-rounded sauce.

Step 8: Finish the Gravy and Return Chicken

Add the tomato-bacon gravy mixture from earlier to the skillet. Bring it to a boil until it thickens slightly, about 30 seconds, then reduce to a simmer. Nestle the cooked chicken pieces back into the sauce, letting them soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 9: Cook the Spaghetti

While partially covered, bring a large pot of water to boil and add about ¼ tablespoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente to maintain a slight bite that works wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Step 10: Combine and Toss

Drain the pasta and add it straight into the skillet with the rich tomato-bacon gravy and tender chicken. Toss everything together so the spaghetti is perfectly coated, ready to serve and delight your tastebuds.

How to Serve Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe

The image shows two silver pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains a thick layer of reddish-brown tomato sauce with chunks of cooked chicken, topped with a large nest of pale yellow cooked spaghetti in the center. The right pan shows the same sauce and chicken mixed evenly with the spaghetti, creating a glossy, reddish-orange dish with strands of noodles wrapped around tender pieces of chicken throughout. Both pans have a metal handle visible at the top, and the lighting highlights the texture and shine of the sauce and noodles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, savory dish. If you like a touch of tang, a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top will melt elegantly into the warm sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty dish with some warm garlic bread topped with melty cheese for the ultimate comfort combination. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and gravy on a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes instead of spaghetti for a rustic feel. Alternatively, plate the spaghetti in a nest and drizzle the gravy and chicken on top as a beautiful centerpiece for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to keep all those vibrant flavors fresh and intact.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, just keep the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and reheat gently to maintain moisture in both chicken and gravy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers slowly over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring back silky smoothness to the sauce. Stir occasionally for even heating and to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a little more moisture and richness, which pairs beautifully with the tomato-bacon gravy. Just adjust cooking time slightly since they may take longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for the brown gravy mix?

If you prefer making your own, a simple homemade brown gravy using beef or chicken stock thickened with a roux works wonderfully. This lets you control the seasoning and avoid any preservatives.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

You can swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or eggplant slices and replace the gravy mix with a mushroom-based gravy. Just keep the tomato sauce and onions for that same comforting, savory flavor.

What kind of wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal as it adds acidity without overpowering the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, a good-quality chicken broth also does the trick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can slice the onions and mince the garlic ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Also, the gravy mixture can be made earlier and stored until you're ready to cook, making dinner prep quicker.

Final Thoughts

I promise, once you make this Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. The layers of flavor and the ease of preparation make it an unbeatable combination. Whip it up for a comforting meal that feels both elegant and homey—you’re going to love every forkful!

Chicken Scallopini with Tomato-Bacon Gravy and Sautéed Onions over Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need