Chicken Over Rotini
Tender chicken cutlets simmered in flavorful pasta sauce with sherry, served over macaroni and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat milk and egg together in a bowl.
- Dip chicken cutlets in the egg mixture and then coat with flour.
- Heat margarine in a frypan over medium heat and brown the chicken cutlets on both sides.
- Add jar pasta sauce and sherry to the frypan, covering the chicken.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked macaroni.
- Pour the cooked chicken and sauce over the macaroni.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Place in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat rotini and reducing the amount of margarine. You can substitute the cooking sherry with white wine or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. If you want a crunchier topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with the mozzarella cheese before baking. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the chicken and cheese. This Chicken Over Rotini can also be complemented by a glass of white wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's fully cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Over Rotini contains roughly 845 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of cooking sherry, and ensure your pasta sauce is meat-free. This substitution will still provide a hearty and satisfying meal.
What can I do if I don't have margarine?
If you don't have margarine, you can use butter or olive oil as a substitute. Both options will provide a nice flavor and help brown the chicken cutlets effectively. Just keep in mind that using butter will add a richer taste.
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).