Chicken And Pasta Neapolitan
A hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with garlic, basil, and oregano. Served over pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
- Add the chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, white wine (if using), sugar (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and serve topped with the chicken and tomato sauce, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swapping the white wine for chicken broth. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. If you prefer whole grain pasta, feel free to substitute it for the rotini. This dish can be made ahead and the flavors will deepen, much like in Chicken And Tomato.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, and a glass of dry white wine pairs nicely. For a heartier option, try serving with roasted vegetables or a side of Pasta With Broccoli Di Rape And Sausage.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta Neapolitan contains roughly 274 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or rotelli works well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You may also want to increase the amount of tomato sauce and seasonings to enhance the flavor. This will create a delightful vegetarian pasta dish.
Can I freeze the chicken and pasta Neapolitan?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).