Chicken and Rice Primavera

Chicken and Rice Primavera Recipe from Italy with Olive Oil and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and Rice Primavera is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful Italian seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Chicken and Rice Primavera is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish, Pasta Primavera. The term "primavera" means "spring" in Italian, and this dish traditionally features a variety of fresh spring vegetables. This version substitutes pasta with rice for a heartier and more filling meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
0.75 lb (340 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 0.5 inch strips
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped sliced
1 tsp italian seasoning
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
0.25 tsp salt
3 cups cooked rice
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) Italian-style diced tomatoes
0.25 cup parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add chicken and garlic; cook, stirring for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is beginning to brown.
Add broccoli, carrots, onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add rice and tomatoes. Stir until blended and thoroughly heated.
Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Top with toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs for a gourmet touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

- Use a large skillet to allow room for all the ingredients to cook evenly.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken and Rice Primavera with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the chicken and vegetables ensures that they cook quickly and retain their crisp texture.

- Mixing the rice and tomatoes together creates a flavorful base for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or shrimp instead of chicken breasts.

- Substitute zucchini or snap peas for the broccoli and carrots.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish can also be reheated for leftovers.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken and Rice Primavera with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and Rice Primavera is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and tree nuts (if using pine nuts as a garnish).

Summary

Chicken and Rice Primavera is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and Rice Primavera is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein, vegetables, and Italian seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken and Rice Primavera. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was renowned for her incredible cooking skills, and she was always teaching me new recipes and techniques in the kitchen.

One sunny afternoon, as I was helping Nonna Maria prepare dinner, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through generations of our family. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for – Chicken and Rice Primavera.

As she read the ingredients and instructions out loud, I could practically taste the delicious dish in my mind. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and vibrant vegetables sounded like a symphony of flavors that would dance on my taste buds.

Nonna Maria explained to me that Primavera means "spring" in Italian, and this dish was inspired by the fresh ingredients that were abundant during that time of year. She showed me how to carefully select the vegetables, chop them into uniform pieces, and sauté them until they were just tender.

Next, she seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, then browned it in a hot skillet until it was golden and crispy on the outside. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the chicken was cooked through, Nonna Maria added in the rice, broth, and a splash of white wine. She covered the skillet and let the rice simmer and absorb all of the delicious flavors from the chicken and vegetables. As the steam wafted up from the pan, I could see the grains of rice plumping up and soaking in all of the savory goodness.

After a little while, Nonna Maria lifted the lid off the skillet and fluffed the rice with a fork. The chicken was tender and juicy, the vegetables were vibrant and crisp, and the rice was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn't believe that I had helped create such a beautiful dish.

We sat down at the table together, and Nonna Maria served us each a generous portion of Chicken and Rice Primavera. The first bite was like a revelation – the flavors danced on my tongue, each one distinct and perfectly balanced. The chicken was succulent, the vegetables were fresh and bright, and the rice was rich and fragrant with herbs and spices.

As we ate, Nonna Maria told me stories of how she had learned this recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. She explained that each generation had added their own twist to the dish, making it their own and passing it down through the years.

I savored every bite of that meal, knowing that I was a part of a long line of women who had shared this recipe and enjoyed it together. It was a moment of connection and tradition that I would never forget, and it sparked a love of cooking in me that has stayed with me ever since.

To this day, whenever I make Chicken and Rice Primavera, I think back to that sunny afternoon in Nonna Maria's kitchen and the joy and love that went into creating that delicious dish. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful to my grandmother for passing it down to me.