Italian Macaroni And Vegetables
A flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. small spiral pasta ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast ⓘ
- 2 red bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 green pepper
- 1 bunch fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 1 large can or 1 cup fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red cooking wine
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- dash of crushed red pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the small spiral pasta according to package instructions and cut up the cooked chicken breast into pieces.
- Cut up the vegetables, trimming the top of the broccoli.
- In a large frying pan, cook the chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
- Add the vegetables to the pan and fry until the vegetables are done medium.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder to the pan and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir well.
- Stir in oregano and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes longer to combine flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using zucchini noodles instead of spiral pasta. You can also swap out the chicken breast for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more mushrooms and bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Chicken Cacciatore. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Macaroni And Vegetables contains roughly 529 calories, with 21g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and iron (95% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute small spiral pasta with other varieties like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
What can I use instead of red cooking wine?
If you don't have red cooking wine, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative. For a non-alcoholic version, consider using grape juice mixed with a little vinegar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. However, it's best to cook the pasta separately and mix it in just before serving to maintain its texture.
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).