Italian Flag Pasta
Vibrant Italian Flag Pasta features tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, perfect for a colorful, hearty meal that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken breast, about 1 1/4 lb. ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, halved, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 9 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced Prosciutto ham, cut into strips ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fettuccine noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast in a medium saucepan and add enough chicken broth to cover.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 12 minutes.
- Remove chicken breast, cool, and cut into strips.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and saute until brown.
- Add the sliced mushrooms; cook, tossing gently, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 8 tablespoons of butter, the ham, and the chopped tomatoes.
- Cook for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy whipping cream.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low.
- Add salt and ground black pepper; keep warm over low heat.
- Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine until just tender; drain.
- Return the noodles to the saucepan and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Toss the fettuccine into the chicken-ham mixture.
- Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the whole chicken breast. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes if fettuccine isn't available. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish's freshness, reminiscent of classic Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Flag Pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread. You might also consider serving it alongside Italian Potato Soup for a comforting meal. For an extra touch, top the pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Flag Pasta contains roughly 624 calories, with 14g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2458mg per serving (107% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them with the cooked fettuccine just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while preventing the pasta from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch to achieve a similar thickness. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can substitute it with thinly sliced veal for a delicious twist, similar to Veal Scaloppine With Mushrooms. Alternatively, sautéed shrimp or mushrooms can provide a vegetarian option.
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).