Chicken Rotini Cacciatore
Savory chicken rotini simmered in flavorful cacciatore sauce with vegetables, topped with Parmesan for a hearty, family-friendly Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (24.5 oz.) jar simmer sauce for cacciatore or spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. uncooked rotini ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced celery or chopped green bell pepper
- 3/4 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add the jar of simmer sauce and water to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add uncooked rotini, sliced carrots, and sliced celery or chopped green bell pepper.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rotini and vegetables are tender.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes or until tender.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the simmer sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the rotini with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. You can also use a mix of bell peppers for more color and taste. For a shortcut, use pre-cut vegetables to save time on prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Rotini Cacciatore warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors, or explore other Italian recipes for a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may also add a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rotini Cacciatore contains roughly 780 calories, with 20g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (176% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 480mg per serving (21% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using them frozen, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to reach at least 165°F.
What can I substitute for the simmer sauce?
If you don't have simmer sauce on hand, you can use a jar of spaghetti sauce or make a simple homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. This will give a similar flavor profile and work well with the other ingredients in this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. The flavors tend to meld and improve after a day, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).