Italian Country Chicken
A hearty Italian-inspired chicken pasta dish featuring flavorful marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shaved carrots
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 (6 oz.) jars marinated artichoke hearts, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. tricolor fusili twists, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken strips and cook until through, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in artichoke hearts with liquid, roasted red peppers with liquid, and black olives.
- Heat all ingredients through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture over cooked tricolor fusili twists and toss well.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking. If you can't find tricolor fusili, any pasta shape will work well. You can substitute the broccoli with spinach or kale, and use any other olives you prefer. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This dish is reminiscent of Chicken, Broccoli And Fusilli In Garlic Cream Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Country Chicken pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish's flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of Italian-style rice. Explore more Italian recipes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 keep the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Country Chicken contains roughly 271 calories, with 9g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (122% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1168mg per serving (51% 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 vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just ensure that they are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Italian Country Chicken is perfect for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Just keep the pasta separate until you're ready to serve to prevent it from becoming mushy. Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the tricolor fusili with a gluten-free pasta option. There are many delicious varieties available made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, are labeled gluten-free.
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).