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A vibrant skillet of Chicken Pasta Primavera with colorful vegetables and parmesan cheese.

Vegetable-Packed Chicken Pasta Primavera

A healthy and vibrant weeknight meal featuring juicy chicken, a rainbow of fresh vegetables, and a light garlic-parmesan sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6 to 8 minutes). Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until just tender.
  4. Add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté 2 more minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Push veggies to the side. Add butter and olive oil to the pan to melt.
  6. Add cooked pasta, chicken, parmesan, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until silky and combined. Add more pasta water if dry.
  7. Serve with extra parmesan, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add chickpeas or white beans. Gluten-Free: Use lentil pasta or spaghetti squash.
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