Italian Country Chicken(6 To 8 Servings)
Italian Country Chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips simmered with marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and black olives, all tossed with al dente fusilli pasta. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines vibrant flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until done, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the artichoke hearts (chopped slightly) with liquid, roasted red peppers (chopped into pieces) with liquid, and black olives. Heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture over freshly cooked fusilli pasta and toss well.
- Serve, passing Parmesan cheese separately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-chopped onions and garlic. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture. If artichokes are hard to find, marinated mushrooms can work as a substitute. Adjust the amount of olives based on your preference; they add a great briny flavor. This dish also pairs well with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs excellently with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Italian Sausage And Bean Soup. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Country Chicken(6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 196 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1263mg per serving (55% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and reheat the sauce on the stovetop. This helps maintain the pasta's texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
What can I use if I can't find tri-color fusilli?
If tri-color fusilli isn't available, any pasta shape works well for this recipe. Penne or rotini would be great substitutes, providing a similar texture and ability to hold the sauce. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
How spicy is this dish?
This Italian Country Chicken recipe is not inherently spicy, making it suitable for all palates. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce during cooking. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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).