Looking for a delicious and easy chicken pasta recipe? This Italian chicken pasta toss is the perfect meal for any night of the week. With only 190 calories per cup, it's a healthy choice too.
Made with fresh ingredients and flavorful herbs, this Italian chicken pasta toss is sure to impress. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the pasta gives you the energy you need to power through your day.
In this article, we'll explore how to make this tasty meal in 30 minutes or less, and offer some suggestions for customizing it to your taste. Let's get started!
Easy and Delicious Italian Chicken Pasta Toss Recipe
This Italian chicken pasta toss is a quick and easy meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. Here's what you'll need:
- 8 oz. whole wheat pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Once you have all your ingredients, you can start cooking. First, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Then, in another pan, heat up the olive oil and sauté the chicken, onion, garlic, and bell peppers until the chicken is cooked through. Add the cherry tomatoes and basil, and continue cooking until the tomatoes have softened. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Healthy Ingredient Choices for Italian Chicken Pasta Toss
If you're looking to make this Italian chicken pasta toss even healthier, there are a few ingredient swaps you can make. Here are some ideas:
- Use whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta for extra fiber.
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add more veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content.
- Use a low-fat cheese, like feta or ricotta, instead of parmesan.
By making a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy this delicious meal while still sticking to your healthy eating goals.
How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta Toss in 30 Minutes or Less
If you're short on time, don't worry – you can still enjoy this tasty Italian chicken pasta toss. Here are some tips for speeding up the process:
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time, so you can just grab and go when it's time to cook.
- Use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken from scratch.
- Skip the chopping and use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store.
- Cook the pasta in advance and reheat it when you're ready to eat.
With these shortcuts, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Customize Your Italian Chicken Pasta Toss with Different Vegetables and Herbs
One of the great things about this Italian chicken pasta toss is that it's very adaptable. You can customize it to your liking by using different vegetables and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Try adding some spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
- Use different herbs, like oregano or thyme, for a different flavor profile.
- Swap out the cherry tomatoes for roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Get creative with your ingredients and make this Italian chicken pasta toss your own.
Italian Chicken Pasta Toss with a Flavorful Sauce
The sauce is what really brings this Italian chicken pasta toss together. Here's how to make it:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the sauce, simply whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and chicken, and toss everything together. The lemon juice adds a tangy kick, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Chicken Pasta Toss
This Italian chicken pasta toss is a great meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping in the sauce
- A side of roasted or grilled vegetables
- A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
No matter what you choose, this Italian chicken pasta toss is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Store Italian Chicken Pasta Toss for Later Meals
If you have leftovers of this Italian chicken pasta toss, you'll be happy to know that it stores well in the fridge or freezer. Here's how to do it:
- Refrigerator storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer storage: Store the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Simply microwave the pasta until heated through, or reheat on the stovetop with a little extra chicken broth or water.
This Italian chicken pasta toss is a great option for meal prep or for when you need to have a quick meal on hand.
Italian Chicken Pasta Toss as a Meal Prep Option
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal prep option, this Italian chicken pasta toss is a great choice. Here's how to make it meal prep-friendly:
- Cook a large batch of the pasta and chicken mixture, and store it in individual meal prep containers.
- Portion out the parmesan cheese and sauce into small containers or baggies.
- Store the meal prep containers in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you plan to eat them.
- When you're ready to eat, simply heat up the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop and add the sauce and cheese. You'll have a delicious and healthy meal in minutes.
This Italian chicken pasta toss is also a great option for a work lunch, or for when you don't have time to cook.
Italian Chicken Pasta Toss for a Quick Lunch or Dinner
Sometimes you just need a quick and easy meal to get you through the day. This Italian chicken pasta toss is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. Here's why:
- You can make it in under 30 minutes.
- You can easily customize it to your liking.
- You can store it in the fridge or freezer for later.
- You can meal prep it for a whole week's worth of meals.
With all these benefits, this Italian chicken pasta toss is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Italian Chicken Pasta Toss: A Family-Friendly Dish
If you have a family to feed, you know how challenging it can be to find meals that everyone will love. This Italian chicken pasta toss is a great option for a family-friendly meal. Here's why:
- It's made with simple, wholesome ingredients that everyone will recognize.
- It's customizable, so everyone can add their own favorite veggies or herbs.
- It's quick and easy to make, so you won't spend hours in the kitchen.
- It's packed with flavor, so even picky eaters will enjoy it.
No matter how big or small your family is, this Italian chicken pasta toss is sure to please.
It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
5 FAQs About Italian Chicken Pasta Toss with 190 calories
1. What are the ingredients in Italian Chicken Pasta Toss?
The ingredients in Italian Chicken Pasta Toss may vary depending on the recipe or brand. However, it usually contains cooked chicken breast, pasta, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Some recipes may also include grated Parmesan cheese and olives.
2. How many calories are there in Italian Chicken Pasta Toss?
One cup of Italian Chicken Pasta Toss typically contains 190 calories. However, the calorie content may vary depending on the recipe or brand. It is always best to refer to the nutrition facts label on the product to get an accurate calorie count.
3. Is Italian Chicken Pasta Toss a healthy meal option?
Italian Chicken Pasta Toss can be a healthy meal option if it is made with whole grain pasta, lean chicken breast, and fresh vegetables. It is also important to choose a tomato sauce that is low in sodium and does not contain added sugar. Additionally, portion control is key to managing calorie intake and maintaining a healthy diet.
4. Can Italian Chicken Pasta Toss be stored and reheated?
Yes, Italian Chicken Pasta Toss can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe dish or heat it on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.
5. What are some variations of Italian Chicken Pasta Toss?
There are many variations of Italian Chicken Pasta Toss that you can try to switch up the flavors. For example, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the recipe. You can also use different types of pasta such as penne, linguine, or fettuccine. Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.