Pasta With Chicken And Vegetables
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender chicken, colorful roasted peppers, and earthy mushrooms, all coated in a tangy artichoke and balsamic vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 large red peppers, cut into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 2 large yellow peppers, sliced into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 pound large mushrooms, halved ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved and cut into 3/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 16 ounces penne or regatta pasta ⓘ
- 6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts (2 jars) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
Instructions
- In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, in 1 tablespoon hot oil, cook red and yellow peppers with 1/4 teaspoon salt until tender and golden. Stir frequently.
- Remove peppers with a slotted spoon and place into a large bowl.
- In remaining oil in the skillet, add an additional tablespoon of oil. Cook mushrooms, onions, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until tender and golden, stirring often.
- Remove mushrooms to the bowl with peppers.
- In the same skillet over high heat, in 1 tablespoon oil, cook chicken and 1/4 teaspoon salt until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- While chicken cooks, prepare pasta in a saucepan as label directs, using 1 tablespoon salt in water. Drain and return pasta to saucepan, keeping warm.
- Drain artichoke hearts, reserving the marinade from 1 jar.
- In a small bowl, combine the artichoke marinade, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, dried basil, sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Return vegetables and chicken to the skillet. Add artichoke hearts and balsamic vinaigrette mixture, tossing to coat well.
- Heat through.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the reserved artichoke marinade for up to an hour before cooking. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or additional mushrooms. You can also swap the bell peppers for zucchini or asparagus for a different twist. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or your favorite cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top adds a nice finishing touch. For a complete Italian experience, pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red, enhancing the flavors of the Chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Chicken And Vegetables contains roughly 309 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. It also contributes 6g 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 whole wheat pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish, making it a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions and adjust accordingly.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables for even more flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can prepare everything in advance and store the components separately. Combine the pasta, chicken, and vegetables just before serving to keep the textures fresh. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal throughout the week.
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).