Fusilli With Chicken And Roasted Vegetables
Fusilli with chicken and roasted vegetables offers a hearty, flavorful meal combining tender chicken, vibrant roasted peppers and zucchini, and fragrant herbs—perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix chicken, zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers, salt, pepper, fennel seed, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil in an ungreased 15 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer and roast in the oven until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the fusilli in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Toss cooked pasta with roasted vegetables and chicken.
- Stir in minced fresh basil and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before roasting. You can substitute the chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option, or use tofu for a vegetarian version. Feel free to mix in other seasonal vegetables like eggplant or asparagus to customize based on your preference. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Rustic Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fusilli hot, garnished with freshly minced basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing finish, consider pairing it with Rhayne'S Fruit Pizza for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a little water to help it regain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fusilli With Chicken And Roasted Vegetables contains roughly 92 calories, with 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2107mg per serving (92% 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 substitute fusilli with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's instructions for al dente results.
What can I add to this recipe for more protein?
You can add chickpeas or white beans to incorporate more protein, making the dish heartier. Alternatively, consider serving with a side of grilled shrimp or a protein-rich salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roasted vegetables and chicken in advance, and store them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and toss it with the prepped ingredients for a quick meal.
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).