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CHICKEN PASTA PRIMAVERA centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

Chicken Pasta Primavera Easy Fresh Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a vibrant and healthy Chicken Pasta Primavera that's perfect for an easy dinner or a quick weeknight meal. This family-friendly spring pasta combines juicy chicken with fresh vegetables and a light garlic-parmesan sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying quick chicken recipe.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne or rotini whole wheat optional
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt + pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for chicken
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 zucchini halved and sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas or green beans
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sauce
  • 1/2 lemon juice of
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Put a large pot of salted water on high heat and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s tender but still firm, then save 1/3 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until they turn golden and are fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas. Cook these veggies for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch.
  4. Add the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for 2 minutes more to blend the flavors.
  5. Turn the heat down to medium-low, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, and melt the butter with the olive oil on the empty side.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a splash of the reserved pasta water with the veggies and melted butter. Toss well to coat everything in a creamy sauce, adding more pasta water if it seems dry.
  7. Serve the pasta warm with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for bright flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and toss in chickpeas or white beans instead. To make this gluten-free, use lentil pasta or substitute with roasted spaghetti squash.