why make this recipe
Chicken Primavera Pasta is a bright and colorful dish that brings together the delightful flavors of chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s not just tasty; it’s also a great way to enjoy a variety of nutrients in one meal. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for any night of the week, making it ideal for busy people and families. Plus, it’s a lovely way to enjoy seasonal veggies!
how to make Chicken Primavera Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup zucchini slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Directions:
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the sliced chicken until done. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for a brief moment until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet and cook until they are crisp-tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything together until creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce and vegetables, mixing well to coat everything.
- Finish by adding fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
how to serve Chicken Primavera Pasta
Serve Chicken Primavera Pasta hot. You can offer extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love it cheesy. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Chicken Primavera Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Chicken Primavera Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream to keep it creamy.
tips to make Chicken Primavera Pasta
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Feel free to swap any of the vegetables with your favorites or what’s in season.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving gives a nice freshness.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or cooked beans. Alternatively, substitute shrimp for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of penne?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works great and adds more fiber.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine them and heat when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken Primavera Pasta
A bright and colorful dish bringing together chicken and fresh vegetables for a delightful meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup zucchini slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Instructions
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the sliced chicken until done. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for a brief moment until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet and cook until they are crisp-tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything together until creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce and vegetables, mixing well to coat everything.
- Finish by adding fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Notes
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side and pair with a salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
