Chicken Pasta Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful chicken pasta stir-fry featuring tender strips of chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory cheese, all tossed with rotini and soy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines hearty comfort with fresh, vibrant flavors appealing to both families and busy cooks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add broccoli florets and carrot curls to the skillet.
- Stir and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add water, chicken bouillon, chicken strips, and tarragon to the skillet.
- Cook until the chicken is done and the flavors meld, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rotini pasta, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Heat thoroughly and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, pre-cook chicken and vegetables. You can substitute broccoli with snap peas or bell peppers for variety. If you want a bit more spice, add some red pepper flakes. Adjust the soy sauce to taste, or use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Try incorporating elements from other chicken recipes like Honey Orange Chicken for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Pasta Stir-Fry hot, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Chinese Vegetables or a light soup. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can impact texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pasta Stir-Fry contains roughly 198 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works well for holding sauce, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as necessary to achieve the desired texture.
What can I substitute for chicken bouillon?
If you don't have chicken bouillon, you can use homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the dish's flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, like adding mushrooms or zucchini, to make it heartier while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
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).