Chicken Fettuccine Primavera
A vibrant chicken fettuccine primavera packed with fresh vegetables and a light broth, perfect for a satisfying and colorful meal suited for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fettuccine ⓘ
- 12 oz. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup skim milk
- 1 teaspoon lo-cal margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh pea pods ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the chicken bouillon and skim milk until hot.
- In a skillet, heat the lo-cal margarine over medium heat.
- Add sliced fresh mushrooms, broccoli flowerets, sliced carrots, sliced pea pods, chopped onion, garlic, and chopped parsley; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir flour into the cooked vegetables and mixture to incorporate.
- Gradually add the hot broth mixture to the vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Add cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese; toss with the cooked fettuccine to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the lo-cal margarine with olive oil. You can also use whole wheat fettuccine for added fiber. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed tofu or additional vegetables. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. To enhance flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme, which are common in many Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Fettuccine Primavera garnished with extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Lisa's Italian Chicken for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken bouillon or milk to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, adding moisture as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Fettuccine Primavera contains roughly 1083 calories, with 30g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2243mg per serving (98% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta such as penne or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta can also work well, providing different textures and flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables. Alternatively, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before combining with the pasta. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately from the cooked fettuccine and sauce, then combine before serving. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta and freshness of the vegetables.
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).