Whole Wheat Spaghetti & Orange Brandy Chicken

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make including prep time but it’s definitely worth it.  It’s best with orange brandy but if you don’t have this white wine works great too.  You can also use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer.

5 tablespoons olive oil
4 Pieces of chicken thighs or chicken breast
½ cup orange brandy or white wine (brandy is excellent in this recipe)
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 cup orange juice
2 zucchinis cut into matchstick strips
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into strips
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
2 oranges peeled, deseeded and cut into segments
Rind of one orange
Cooked whole wheat spaghetti for four
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a non stick frying pan and add the chicken.  Cook until golden brown on the outside.  Lower the heat and add the orange brandy, cook for 3 minutes.  Sprinkle over the flour and cook for a further 2 minutes.  Then add the orange juice, zucchini, bell peppers and salt and season with a little salt and pepper.  Simmer over low heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and liquid has thickened.

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions.  Drain and transfer to a serving dish.  Slightly drizzle spaghetti with a little olive oil and set aside.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking the chicken, add the orange segments, orange rind and the ricotta cheese to the pan and cook on the lowest heat for 3 minutes.  Do not bring to a boil. 

Serve the chicken and sauce over the pasta and garnish with parsley.

*Low GI – Serves 4