Creamy Turkey Or Chicken And Pasta Primavera
Creamy turkey or chicken and pasta primavera combines tender meat with fresh vegetables in a rich mushroom sauce, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) pkg. mostaccioli or ziti, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium red pepper, cut into thin strips
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 can water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and cubed turkey or chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, cook the mostaccioli or ziti according to package directions.
- Add broccoli, carrot, onions, and red pepper during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the cooked pasta and vegetables.
- In the same saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup, water, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta and vegetables, along with the cooked and cubed turkey or chicken.
- Heat thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs like basil and oregano to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or a low-fat version. For added texture, toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach towards the end of cooking. This dish pairs beautifully with Chocolate Peanut Treats for a sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy turkey or chicken and pasta primavera is a complete meal on its own. For a well-rounded dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a delightful finish. For dessert, consider pairing with Helen'S Cookies for a delightful end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the pasta doesn't dry out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Turkey Or Chicken And Pasta Primavera contains roughly 781 calories, with 28g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and potassium (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% 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?
Absolutely! While mostaccioli or ziti work well, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the turkey or chicken and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You can also use a spicy cream of mushroom soup or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the pasta and vegetables for a flavorful 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).