Welcome to a flavorful journey with our Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew, a comforting dish packed with hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and warming Italian spices. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you need something wholesome, satisfying, and delicious. Whether you’re a fan of Tuscan-inspired meals or just looking to try something new, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, soul-warming recipe!
Introduction to Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
The rich culinary heritage of Tuscany brings us this Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew, a perfect balance of healthy vegetables, chicken, and flavorful herbs. This dish offers a taste of the Italian countryside, combining fresh produce with simple, rustic cooking methods. Whether you’re new to Italian cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this stew is a must-try, offering a hearty meal that can easily be prepared in under an hour.
With a blend of Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables, this stew offers a delightful mix of flavors. It’s also versatile enough to be modified for various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for any meal plan.
Ingredients for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this comforting dish. Feel free to substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions where necessary.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 large zucchini, chopped
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 19 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How to Make Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Zucchini and Red Pepper Next, stir in the zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.
Step 3: Create the Roux Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat them. Cook for 1 minute to form a light roux. Slowly add the chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Chicken Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped chicken breast and let the stew simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Vinegar In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and cider vinegar. Let the stew cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Serve your Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Helpful Tips for Making Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor of this stew. Avoid canned or frozen veggies for the best results.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder stew, skip the red pepper altogether.
- Substitutions: If you’re vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the chicken with tofu or extra beans.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
- Use a Heavy Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your stew cooks uniformly.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Letting the onions, garlic, and vegetables cook thoroughly enhances the depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow: While this stew can come together quickly, the longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors become.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: A side that complements the richness of the stew.
- A Light Green Salad: Balance out the stew with a simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
For drinks, a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon enhances the meal.
Nutritional Information for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage and Leftovers for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew
Q1: Can I make this stew vegetarian? Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or more beans.
Q2: How can I thicken the stew without flour? You can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a gluten-free thickener. Mix a tablespoon with water before adding it to the stew.
Q3: Can I use other beans besides cannellini? Absolutely! Great Northern beans or chickpeas would work well as substitutes.
Q4: How long can I store leftovers? You can store the stew in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months.
Related Recipes for Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Lovers
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – A savory appetizer that pairs perfectly with this hearty stew.
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread – Another comfort food favorite that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew is a wonderful dish that brings the heart of Italian cuisine into your kitchen. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a cozy night at home. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience or personal twists in the comments below!
Enjoy your cooking, and buon appetito!
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Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe | Easy & Hearty Meal
Description
Welcome to a flavorful journey with our Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew, a comforting dish packed with hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and warming Italian spices. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you need something wholesome, satisfying, and delicious. Whether you’re a fan of Tuscan-inspired meals or just looking to try something new, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, soul-warming recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 large zucchini, chopped
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 19 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Zucchini and Red Pepper Next, stir in the zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.
Step 3: Create the Roux Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat them. Cook for 1 minute to form a light roux. Slowly add the chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Chicken Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped chicken breast and let the stew simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Vinegar In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and cider vinegar. Let the stew cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Serve your Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use a Heavy Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your stew cooks uniformly.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Letting the onions, garlic, and vegetables cook thoroughly enhances the depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow: While this stew can come together quickly, the longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors become.
