Chicken and Vegetable Ragu
Chicken and Vegetable Ragu is a hearty, slow-simmered Italian-inspired stew where tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers. It's a comforting, one-pot dish that's often served over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a well-balanced meal, being moderately high in protein from the chicken and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the abundance of vegetables. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups of ragu alone, without pasta) would likely range from 250-350 calories, with a good mix of lean protein and healthy carbohydrates.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Ragu is a classic example of Italian 'cucina povera' or 'poor cooking,' a tradition of creating deeply flavorful, nourishing meals from simple, affordable ingredients like tougher cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. Nutritionally, the slow cooking process helps break down the chicken and vegetables, making nutrients more bioavailable and creating a dish that's both comforting and easily digestible.
