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Chicken Rustica Recipe

Chicken Rustica is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and garlic. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce. This recipe is quick to make, easy to customize, and packed with rustic flavors.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving​

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving platter or individual plates​

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.​
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook until the peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.​
Create the Sauce
  1. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.​
Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.​
Serve
  1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat. Serve the Chicken Rustica hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.​

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or tofu. Ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve desired tenderness.​