School Lunchbox Ideas: Spaghetti Amatriciana + Grilled Chicken Skewers

When it comes to school lunchbox ideas, it can be challenging to balance nutrition and flavor. Imagine your child’s delight when they open their lunchbox to find spaghetti amatriciana and grilled chicken skewers! This delightful pairing is not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with delicious flavors that will have your kids trading lunches on the playground. Let’s dive into this easy spaghetti amatriciana and grilled chicken skewers recipe that’s perfect for a lunch packed with love!

A Flavorful Lunchbox Combo

Spaghetti Amatriciana has its roots in the beautiful region of Lazio, Italy, making it a classic comfort food for many. Its savory combination of guanciale, tomatoes, and cheese creates a rich and hearty dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. Pairing it with grilled chicken skewers adds a fun finger food element, keeping the meal exciting for your child while ensuring they get their protein fix. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this combo is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For Spaghetti Amatriciana:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces guanciale (or pancetta, if you can’t find guanciale)
• 1 can (14 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

For Grilled Chicken Skewers:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

How to Make Spaghetti Amatriciana:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the guanciale. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge for the best flavor.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
3. Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
4. Serve: Enjoy the skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add veggies to the chicken skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make great additions!
• Make it Ahead: This spaghetti amatriciana recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Preparing a larger batch means quick lunches all week long.
• Pack It Right: For school lunch, let your spaghetti cool before packing to prevent sogginess. Use a thermos for the spaghetti to keep it warm!

Conclusion

These spaghetti amatriciana and grilled chicken skewers are not only delicious but also creative school lunchbox ideas your kids will love. They’re perfect for meal prep and can help make your week less hectic! Give this best spaghetti amatriciana recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking!