One-Pan Crispy Spaghetti and Chicken

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit/220 degrees Celsius.

2. Step 2

   Add 1 tablespoon oil to a large, ovenproof lidded skillet and heat over high. Season the chicken with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, then add to the hot oil, skin-side down. Cook for 7 minutes, without turning, to brown well.

3. Step 3

   Turn the heat down to medium-high, then stir in the onion and turn over the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion has softened and is lightly browned. Add the tomato paste, garlic and 1 tablespoon thyme, and cook, stirring the paste into the onions, for 2 minutes, until fragrant and everything is nicely browned.

4. Step 4

   Add the boiling water, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then add the spaghetti, stirring to submerge and evenly distribute. Use tongs to lift the chicken pieces so they sit on top of the spaghetti, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and transfer to the oven for 30 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.

5. Step 5

   While the pasta is in the oven, in a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest and remaining 1 tablespoon thyme.

6. Step 6

   After the pasta has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and reset the temperature to a high broil (grill) setting. Sprinkle the Parmesan bread crumbs over the pasta and chicken, drizzle with the remaining oil and return to the center rack to broil (grill) for 3 to 4 minutes, until nicely browned and crisp. Leave to settle for about 5 minutes before serving warm, directly from the pan.