Tuscan Pasta
A hearty Tuscan-inspired chicken pasta with rich tomato flavors, savory vegetables, and tender spaghetti, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) Italian-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 jar sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 6 oz uncooked thin broken spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except spaghetti in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Turn to high. Stir in the uncooked spaghetti.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir again, then cover and cook for an additional 45 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Garnish with basil and bell pepper strips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. You can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, but be mindful of cooking times as different pasta types may require adjustments. Adding fresh spinach or kale can enhance the dish's nutrition, making it more reminiscent of Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tuscan Pasta garnished with fresh basil and bell pepper strips for a pop of color. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or pairing it with Italian Smoked Sausage Bean Soup to create a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta, then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuscan Pasta contains roughly 895 calories, with 38g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (117% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1120mg per serving (49% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure to increase the cooking time by about an hour. Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, and it's best to check for doneness before adding the pasta.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as an alternative. You may want to adjust the seasoning slightly since tomato sauce is typically more seasoned than plain tomatoes.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also incorporate beans for protein, ensuring it remains hearty and satisfying.
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).