Chicken With Pasta
A flavorful chicken and pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables, savory tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into a pan.
- Saute chopped onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with pepper; cook until browned.
- Add sliced and quartered zucchinis, chopped green pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are cooked to your taste.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Toss cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetable mixture in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning before cooking. You can substitute the bow tie pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred. For added nutrition, include spinach or kale in the vegetable mix. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Veal With Peppers, Italian Style. A glass of white wine can complement the flavors nicely.
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 or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Pasta contains roughly 1425 calories, with 17g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% 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 use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What can I substitute for the zucchini?
If you're not a fan of zucchini, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and garlic. You can also serve with a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
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).