Italian Chicken Pasta
Italian Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and flavorful stewed tomatoes with aromatic herbs, creating a hearty yet fresh dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Its vibrant flavors and comforting texture make it a family favorite, showcasing classic Italian-inspired ingredients and seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in 6 cups of water with chicken bouillon until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Saute chopped garlic, sliced zucchini, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add cut-up chicken to the skillet and cook until chicken is done and zucchini is tender, tossing lightly.
- Add the can of stewed tomatoes to the skillet and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for fresh chicken. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preference or use Italian seasoning for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish beautifully. For a heartier dish, consider pairing it with a serving of Savory Italian Rice Bake(8 Servings) for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Pasta contains roughly 179 calories, with 15g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 whole wheat pasta instead of penne?
Yes, whole wheat penne is a great alternative and will add extra fiber to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a minute longer to reach al dente.
What can I substitute for stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can be used as substitutes. You can also add a splash of tomato sauce for added flavor and moisture in the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Italian Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and portion it out for the week. Just reheat when ready to eat, and you'll have a delicious and convenient meal on hand.
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).