why make this recipe
This dish is quick, bright, and full of vegetables. It feeds a family or makes good lunches for the week. The sauce is creamy but simple, and the meal uses common pantry items.
introduction
Chicken Pasta Primavera mixes tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce for a meal that tastes like home. It cooks fast and fits weeknights well. If you want another easy chicken pasta idea, try classic chicken pot pie pasta for a different style of comfort food.
how to make Chicken Pasta Primavera
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still bright.
- Turn the heat low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything so the pasta gets coated with sauce and vegetables.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Serve warm.
For a green, herby change, you can try a pesto cream version like creamy pesto chicken pasta.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
how to serve Chicken Pasta Primavera
Serve on warm plates. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like. A light green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. Serve fresh bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
how to store Chicken Pasta Primavera
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce is thick.
tips to make Chicken Pasta Primavera
- Cut chicken into small, even pieces so it cooks fast and evenly.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; they should stay slightly firm and bright.
- Use hot pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Taste the sauce before serving and add salt or pepper little by little.
variation (if any)
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and a little flour for a lighter sauce.
- Add cherry tomatoes or peas for color and sweetness.
- Stir in spinach at the end until it wilts for extra greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes. Cook time may change, so follow the package directions.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes. Use a mix of low-sodium chicken broth and a little milk, and simmer until it thickens.
Q: How can I tell when the chicken is done?
A: Cut a piece open. It should be white inside with no pink and the juices clear.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but the texture may change. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store portions in meal containers for up to 4 days for easy lunches or dinners.
Chicken Pasta Primavera
A quick and creamy chicken pasta dish packed with fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still bright.
- Turn the heat low and stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything so the pasta gets coated with sauce and vegetables.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Serve warm.
Notes
For a green, herby change, try a pesto cream version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, primavera, quick dinner, creamy pasta, vegetable pasta
