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Vegetable-Packed Chicken Pasta Primavera: Your Weeknight Glow-Up

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550
This vibrant and healthy pasta dish combines tender chicken and colorful vegetables for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or rotini (whole wheat if you’re feeling virtuous)

Chicken

  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 zucchini zucchini, halved and sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas or green beans

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water (start with this, add more if needed)

Fresh Herbs & Lemon

  • to taste chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • a squeeze lemon juice

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
  • Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook veggies until tender, then add garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes; sauté 2 minutes.
  • Add butter, olive oil, cooked pasta, chicken, parmesan, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water; toss until combined and silky.
  • Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more lemon or cheese to suit your taste.
Calories: 550kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, Pasta, Vegetables