Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera

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Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera is a delightful weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and simple to prepare. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all lightly coated in a flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a variety of veggies in a single, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken:

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • For the Pasta and Vegetables:

    • 8 ounces rotini or your choice of pasta
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
    • 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • For the Sauce:

    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup reserved pasta water
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.

  3. Cook the Vegetables:

    • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. Season with Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
    • Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta and vegetables.

  5. Serve:

    • Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place on top of the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Estimated nutritional values per serving (1 of 4 servings):

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: 38g
  • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
    • Sugars: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sodium: ~600mg (varies with seasoning and cheese)
  • Calcium: ~200mg
  • Iron: ~3mg

The Beauty of Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian-American dish that showcases the freshest of vegetables, making it an excellent option for those looking to increase their vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor. The traditional version is often made with a mix of colorful vegetables, and it is tossed with pasta and a light sauce. This Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera takes it one step further by incorporating tender, seasoned chicken, which elevates the dish, making it a complete meal in itself. The result is a delightful combination of flavors and textures: juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and creamy pasta in a rich, savory sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works so well because of its versatility and its ability to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer rotini, spaghetti, or another type of pasta, this recipe can be easily adapted. The vegetables used in the dish are also customizable, so you can choose your favorites or use whatever is in season. Moreover, this recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, flavorful meal without a lot of time spent in the kitchen.

Nutrient-Rich Vegetables

One of the best parts of this recipe is the wide range of vegetables it includes. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and by incorporating a variety of them, you ensure that your meal is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.

  • Broccoli: This vegetable is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It is known for its cancer-fighting properties and is also a great source of calcium.

  • Bell Peppers: With their sweet, crisp flavor, bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, which help support a healthy immune system. The vibrant colors of bell peppers also indicate the presence of antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to improved heart health.

  • Zucchini: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamin C and potassium. It’s also hydrating due to its high water content, making it a great addition to any dish.

  • Asparagus: Asparagus is a fantastic source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Its unique flavor and texture bring a nice balance to the dish.

By including these vegetables, you’re not just adding color and flavor to the dish, but also ensuring that your meal is packed with nutrients that support overall health.

Protein-Packed Chicken

The chicken breasts in this recipe provide a lean source of protein that helps build and repair tissues in the body. Protein is also essential for muscle growth and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and cooked to golden perfection, the chicken breasts add a savory richness to the dish that complements the vegetables and pasta beautifully. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’re ensuring a lean source of protein that doesn’t add unnecessary fats.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

While the vegetables and chicken provide plenty of nutrients and flavor, the creamy Parmesan sauce is the star of the show. Made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water, this sauce brings everything together in a velvety, rich finish. The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth texture that coats the pasta and vegetables evenly, making every bite absolutely indulgent. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish, giving it depth and richness without being too heavy.

Customization Options

This recipe is highly versatile, and there are several ways you can customize it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

  • Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free version. There are many great options available made from rice flour, quinoa, or chickpeas.

  • Vegan/Vegetarian: For a vegan or vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor intact.

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add or swap any vegetables in the recipe. Mushrooms, spinach, or peas would all work wonderfully in this dish.

How to Serve

Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera is delicious on its own, but there are a few ways to make it an even more satisfying meal. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce. The combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied but not overly full.

For extra flavor, top the dish with fresh basil or parsley, or add a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a bright, zesty finish to the dish, further enhancing the flavors of the vegetables and the creamy sauce.

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

What makes this Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera so ideal for weeknights is its simplicity and quick preparation time. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, you can prepare a healthy, filling meal without much effort. The ingredients are easily accessible, and you can even prep the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to speed up the process.

In addition, this recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch of the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Nutritious, and Easy Meal

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera is the perfect dinner solution for busy nights when you want something healthy, delicious, and quick. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan sauce makes for a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. This dish is not only flavorful but also customizable, ensuring that it suits a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy and feel good about.

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