Rustic Italian Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine & Pasta
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Classic Italian chicken cacciatore simmered in tomatoes, garlic, and red wine, tossed with pasta for a hearty, protein-rich dinner.
Rustic Italian Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine & Pasta 🍷🍅
When you think of comforting rustic Italian recipes, Chicken Cacciatore instantly comes to mind. This hearty dish combines tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, then tossed with pasta for a meal that’s equal parts nourishing and indulgent. It’s a true hunter-style dish (cacciatore literally means “hunter” in Italian), perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
Why This Chicken Cacciatore Stands Out ✨
Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this chicken with red wine sauce strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The red wine deepens the flavor of the tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic, creating a rustic sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Using quinoa rotelle pasta keeps it hearty yet wholesome, while fresh parsley adds brightness to every bite.
This recipe is also high in protein, low in fat, and packed with natural flavors—making it a smart choice for a healthy pasta dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Key Ingredients You’ll Love 🥘
- Chicken strips – Lean protein, quickly seared for flavor.
- Red wine & tomatoes – The soul of the sauce, creating depth and rustic character.
- Mushrooms & garlic – Earthy, aromatic, and essential for building flavor.
- Quinoa rotelle pasta – A nutritious twist with great texture to hold the sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For a vibrant finish.
How to Make Chicken Cacciatore 👩🍳
This dish comes together in under an hour, yet tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
- Brown the chicken in olive oil for that golden flavor base.
- Sauté the aromatics – onion, mushrooms, and garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine and simmer with tomatoes, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Cook until tender – about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Toss with pasta and a splash of pasta water to make the sauce cling.
- Finish with parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or a green salad.
Serving Tips 🍽
- Pair with a glass of the same dry red wine used in the sauce for harmony.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or chili flakes for extra flair.
- Serve with crusty Italian bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.
This easy weeknight chicken pasta delivers a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that tastes straight out of an Italian kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a healthy pasta dinner or a rustic Italian recipe to impress, this chicken cacciatore is a dish you’ll want on repeat. 🇮🇹🍷🍝
Rustic Italian Chicken Cacciatore with Red Wine & Pasta
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoMClassic Italian chicken cacciatore simmered in tomatoes, garlic, and red wine, tossed with pasta for a hearty, protein-rich dinner.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- 1
Warm oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown, cooking about 3 minutes per side.
- 2
Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- 3
Add tomatoes with juice, wine, oregano, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Stirring occasionally, simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook rotelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- 5
Add both the pasta and reserved pasta water to the chicken. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, mixing until sauce sticks to pasta.
- 6
Remove bay leaf and discard it. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Comments & Reviews
Sarah T.
6/14/2025
So flavorful! The red wine makes the sauce rich but not too heavy. Definitely a keeper.
Marco L.
7/3/2025
Reminds me of my Nonna’s cooking—simple, rustic, and comforting. Added a pinch of chili flakes for spice.
Emily R.
8/1/2025
Made it with chicken thighs instead of breasts, and it was incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread—perfect!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 plate (about 400g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
