Incident At Vermicelli
A creamy, flavorful chicken vermicelli dish featuring roasted red and green bell peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. roasted red bell pepper strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. roasted green bell pepper strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 c. chopped cooked chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 lb. vermicelli, freshly cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the roasted red and green bell pepper strips and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the whipping cream and tomato paste, then season with chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped cooked chicken breasts and cook until heated through.
- Toss the cooked vermicelli with the chicken and sauce mixture before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions. You can substitute the whipping cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of seasonal vegetables. Fresh basil can also be used instead of parsley for a different taste, especially in Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vermicelli topped with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Red Pepper Soup for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to the pan to help loosen the sauce, and heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can lead to uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Incident At Vermicelli contains roughly 1341 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% 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 instead of vermicelli?
Yes, you can substitute vermicelli with other pasta types like fettuccine or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked vermicelli for the best texture and flavor.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein content, consider adding cooked shrimp or chickpeas. Both options complement the flavors well and can be incorporated in the same stage as the chicken to ensure they are heated through before serving.
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).